What should our response be once we know for sure that it is God who has spoken to us? After we’ve learned to discern the voice of God, how are we to respond? The answer is simple—obedience, surrender, and trust.
Mary’s Heartfelt Response
Mary, the mother of Jesus, gave us one of the most beautiful examples of how to respond to God. When the angel Gabriel told her that she would bear the Son of God, her response was full of faith and surrender:
“Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)
She didn’t question or resist. Instead, she trusted God’s plan completely and allowed His Word to shape her destiny.
Joseph’s Silent Obedience
Similarly, St. Joseph responded with quiet obedience when God spoke to him through dreams. Whether it was taking Mary as his wife or fleeing to Egypt to protect Jesus, Joseph didn’t delay. The Bible shows us a man who listened and obeyed every time—proof that God had been preparing him through smaller acts of obedience long before.
Abraham’s Journey of Faith
Abraham, the father of faith, also responded with immediate action when God called him:
“Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you…” (Genesis 12:1)
And Abraham went, just as the Lord commanded. This kind of radical obedience likely started much earlier in his walk with God, building his faith step by step.
Don’t Delay—Obey!
There are moments when the Holy Spirit speaks and expects us to act immediately. If He prompts you to pray, forgive, avoid an argument, or read the Word, don’t delay. Postponing God’s voice can be dangerous—delayed obedience is disobedience.
Begin with the Small Things
The Lord usually starts by asking us to obey in small matters: forgive someone, hold your tongue, avoid judging others, walk in love. These are foundational lessons—the “primary school of obedience.” Once we pass these, He begins to trust us with greater responsibilities.
Growing Through Obedience
When we respond in faith, just like Mary, Joseph, and Abraham, God works through our obedience in powerful ways. He blesses us, leads us deeper, and uses us as instruments in His plan.
Let your answer to God be simple, humble, and complete:
“Yes, Lord. Let it be according to Your Word.”
