Tuesday, July 29, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: 1 John 3

When we live our lives on the adventure with Jesus, it opens us up to experience moments when we feel God leading us, prompting us, or stretching us toward something new. And though we know trusting Jesus changes everything, so often, even when we feel his promptings, we hesitate. We pause, delay, or overthink.

What holds us back?

Often, delayed obedience can be caused by insecurity ("I'm not enough"), fear ("What if I fail?"), doubt ("Can I trust God in this?"), or complacency ("I'm comfortable here"). Each one quietly convinces us to stay where we are instead of stepping where God is leading.

These delays can manifest in subtle ways through spiritual language, such as "I just need to pray more" or "I'm waiting for confirmation." But deep down, we know when God is prompting us to move, and we know when we're avoiding it.

We're not alone in this. Even the faithful have delayed. Think about Moses, who feared he wasn't the right person (Exodus 3:11). Or Gideon, who asked for repeated signs from God when God  was speaking directly to him (Judges 6:36-40). Or Lot, who hesitated so long that angels had to move him out of danger (Genesis 19:15-23) physically. 

So how do we respond better? This scripture shows us what a faithful response looks like.

Psalm 119:59-60
I pondered the direction of my life,
  and I turned to follow your laws.
I will hurry, without delay,
  to obey your commands.

The writer in this Psalm reflects on the direction of life, makes a course correction toward God's Word, and then commits to respond immediately. No stalling. No excuses. No delay.

This kind of quick obedience isn't always easy, but it is possible. One helpful way to move past hesitation and follow God's lead is to use a simple framework: Ready. Set. Go.

Ready your heart. Spend time with God, surrender insecurities, and say, "God, I'm available."

Set your eyes on Him, not the fears. Trust His leading more than your expectations.

And then—Go. Take the step. Don't just hear the Word—live it out.

God's voice isn't meant to be background noise; it's the call to action. Today, don't delay. Trust God and obey.

Questions:
Is there an area in your life where you know God is prompting you to act, but you’ve been hesitating?

Which of these delays—insecurity, fear, doubt, or complacency—do you recognize in yourself right now?

Next Steps:
Take time this week to intentionally listen for God’s leading. When you sense his prompting—whether it’s to encourage someone, take a step of faith, or let go of control—respond without delay. Write it down, take the first small action, and trust that God will meet you in your obedience.

Prayer:
God, thank you for your patience and grace when I hesitate. Help me to trust deeply and obey quickly. Give me a heart that responds to your voice with courage and faith. Teach me to follow without delay. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Psalm 85:8
I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways.

This post was adapted from the 3 in 30 message shared by Jen Carroll at Whitehouse. Jen is the Director of Groups & Outreach at the Whitehouse Campus.