Do What God Says…Even When It’s Hard: A Faith That Moves Forward

Ashland Watson
May 19
4 min read

Following God was never promised to be easy. Sometimes, doing what God says means stepping into uncertainty, releasing control, or choosing faith over fear. But obedience, especially when it’s hard, is where true discipleship begins.

At Mosaic, we have the privilege of witnessing what happens when people choose to walk in extraordinary obedience. From the pastors we support in Africa and South Asia, to the families who give sacrificially to see the gospel spread, each one has made a decision to trust God’s voice and follow where He leads.

Hearing God Begins with Surrender

Before we can do what God says, we have to hear Him. In John 10:27, Jesus says...

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

God is always speaking... through Scripture, prayer, and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. But it takes a surrendered heart to truly listen.

Many of us struggle to discern His voice in a world full of distractions... (i.e. daily stress, schedules, Instagram... TikTok.) That’s why it’s so important to immerse ourselves in the Word of God. Scripture is the foundation of our faith. It’s where we learn God’s character, understand His promises, and align our lives with His truth.

Our global partners rely on the Word not just for preaching and teaching... but for guidance, strength, and clarity as they navigate the challenges of ministry in developing nations. Their daily obedience flows from a deep and personal relationship with God.

The Word of God Calls Us to Act

The Bible is not just a book to study... It’s a call to action. When we read the Word of God, we are invited to respond. That response might mean forgiving someone, stepping into ministry, giving generously, or letting go of a plan we thought was best.

James 1:22 reminds us:

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

Obedience is not about perfection; it’s about posture. A heart that says, “Yes, Lord,” even when the path is difficult, is a heart that honors God.

The leaders and church planters we serve around the world are living examples of this. They do not follow Christ because it’s easy. They follow Him because He is worthy.

When Obedience Is Costly

It’s one thing to obey God when it aligns with our comfort and what we have prayed for. It’s another to obey when it costs us something or something you did not fully plan out or see was coming. Yet this is where faith becomes real.

In Genesis 12, God tells Abram to:

“Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.”

Abram didn’t receive all the details... only a direction... but he trusted God’s voice. His obedience became the beginning of God’s covenant people.

When we do what God says, even when it’s hard, we step into the life He has prepared for us, a life of meaning, impact, and eternal significance.

Obedience as Worship

Doing what God says is a form of worship. It is a way to show him that... “You are God, and I am not.” It humbles us and honors Him.

It reminds us that our role is not to understand every detail, but to trust the One who sees the whole picture.

Romans 12:1 say:

“Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, this is your true and proper worship.”

True worship is not just singing songs on Sunday. It’s how we live every day. It’s the quiet choices, the unseen sacrifices, and the faithful “yes” when no one else is watching.

Moving Forward in Faith

So what does obedience look like for you today? Maybe it’s saying yes to a call you’ve been resisting. Maybe it’s giving when it stretches your budget. Maybe it’s praying for the nations or investing in a ministry that’s advancing the gospel.

At Mosaic, we believe that every act of obedience no matter how small, can be used by God to build His Kingdom. We exist to support and equip those who are faithfully doing what God says, even in the most challenging environments.

Living Faithfully in Every Season

God is speaking, leading, and calling His people to walk by faith. May we be quick to listen, trust, and respond. Because when we do what God says, we discover that He is always faithful... and His plans are always good.

Together, let’s move forward in faith... and do what God says.

Learn more about Mosaic here.