In my book, “Undefeated”, specifically in chapter 2, I wrote about how we are like sheep that keep wandering. Isaiah 53:6 says, “All of us, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way.” Think about that—sheep don’t mean to get lost, but when they focus only on the grass in front of them, step by step, they drift away from the shepherd. That’s us. One moment, we’re running after what we want—success, relationships, comfort—and the next, we’re trying to deny ourselves and run back to God. It’s like living in two lanes of traffic at once—chaotic, exhausting, and dangerous. This is the battle between our way and God’s way. And here’s the truth: You can’t claim God’s blessings if you won’t follow God’s ways.
Think about the words, wisdom and guidance. As fallen human beings, we want to make decisions on our own terms, lean on our emotions, the culture, or popular opinion. This is our way. However, when we look at Scripture James 1:5 reminds us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God for it, who gives generously without finding fault. To bring this point home we can look at King Saul in 1 Samuel chapter 13 and he grew impatient and chose his way instead of God’s command to wait for Samuel. His disobedience cost him his kingdom. The point is that we often want God’s wisdom, but only if it agrees with us. Yet true wisdom comes when we obey Him even when it doesn’t make sense.
When I think about the words comfort and peace, my mind goes to Naaman in 2 Kings chapter 5. Naaman wanted healing but resisted Elisha’s simple instructions to dip in the Jordan. His pride nearly robbed him of the comfort and peace God wanted to give. We are so like Naaman. We often want the blessings of God without the obedience—but you and I must realize that peace is found on the other side of surrender.
Finally, love and acceptance have been center stage in our sinful world. The world defines love as approval of all choices whether good or bad or right or wrong, all driven by feelings and social pressure. True love is clearly defined in 1 Corinthians 13—it is truth and sacrifice, flowing from the very character of God Himself. I often laugh when I read the story of Samson in Judges 16 where he followed his desires for Delilah’s instead of God’s standards. He craved something that he had no business desiring, and it cost him his strength. So, what has worldly love and acceptance cost you? Remember, God’s love is not unregulated—it’s protective. True acceptance is found when we surrender to God’s truth, not when we compromise for the world.
Our Encouraging Takeaway: Choosing God’s way isn’t loss—it’s gain. Obedience opens the door to His promises. You can’t claim what you won’t follow.