Obedience Not Success
BRD REFLECTION 2026
Genesis 24:26-41 and Psalm 84:8-12 (NIV)
(David Blakely, Pastoral Team)
READ:
Genesis 24:33 (NIV)
Then food was set before him, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told you what I have to say.” “Then tell us,” Laban said.
Genesis 24:41 (NIV)
You will be released from my oath if, when you go to my clan, they refuse to give her to you—then you will be released from my oath.’
Psalm 84:12 (NIV)
LORD Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.
OBSERVE:
In Genesis 24 Abraham gave his trusted servant a specific calling to fulfill. The calling was to find a spouse for Abraham’s son Isaac. This was vital for the continuation of Abraham’s family line, a serious and honoured opportunity for the servant. In verse 41 we see that the servant was clear that all he needed to do was to be obedient in delivering the message. He knew that the successful agreement to the marriage proposal was not in his hands.
APPLY:
In truth I find success to be an important value in my life. Winning a board game, teaching well, and helping someone change through counselling are all examples of times that I strive for success. I find that at times I measure myself based more on success than obedience. God is reminding me today that my obedience matters more than my success or abilities.
DO:
I am convicted by this passage to focus more closely on obedience to God. For me to grow in obedience I need to practise listening to God more regularly. To do this, I am committing to ask myself the following questions each day:
What are you asking of me today, God?
How can I be obedient in the small steps that I take today?
And then I will end the prayer asking for courage and strength from God to release the need for results each day.
PRAY:
Lord, You are our sovereign King. You alone decide each of our steps. Forgive me when success consumes me, and I forget to simply be obedient. Help me today Lord to hear Your voice and obey. To trust and obey You alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
