When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still
And with all who will trust and obey

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies
But His smile quickly drives it away
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear
Can abide while we trust and obey

Oh, Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go
Never fear, only trust and obey

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey…

By John H. Sammis

I can still hear Grandpa Lacuement’s voice leading us joyfully in this song of praise.  He always chose “Trust and Obey” to sing at baptisms to affirm the candidates’ decision and commitment to Christ.  My mom or aunt played piano.  I grew up in a church filled with relatives who loved God.  I admired their faith and commitment to serve. I served right beside them from a young age. 

After baptisms, the candidates stood in front of the church in dry clothes and wet hair as we all left our seats, still singing, to “offer the right hand of fellowship.”  We also gave hugs to these new believers with words of encouragement whispered in their ears.  The church was filled with smiling faces in these moments of celebration because these new believers now were part of the family of God.  Yes, there is a song for that as well.  Those of you at a certain age are probably now humming that song!

Members of the “family of God” were not only taught the Word but our elders lived the Word in front of us.  I look back at the rich heritage of good examples of discipleship and I praise God for them even now.  Many of these beloved people have gone to be with Jesus and now I am one of the “olders” who still believe and live for Jesus.  I’m not perfect, I have not arrived, but “I know whom I have believed” (another hymn of my past) and I know I am redeemed, perfectly loved and completely forgiven of my sins.

But as loving and tightly woven together as our family by blood was, we were tested and tried when God led us away from what was our university of faith building.  God called Randy and I to move from family to do His will and ministry in a place about a thousand miles away.  Do we stay to be with and take care of family or do we trust and obey? 

Even though this move broke our parents’ hearts, (the very people who ironically taught us to always follow God’s will and plan); we trusted and obeyed God’s Holy Spirit who said to go.  This was not an easy decision but in faith believing, trusting, and obeying with each step on the journey, God worked all things out for good.  God still clears the path of all obstacles as we trust and obey.  He always has and always will.  And our family?  God helped them come around to accepting His will for us.

Family.  Who are they really?  “The person who obeys my heavenly Father’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” –Jesus  

We discovered that our number of “family relationships” grew exponentially because obedience is indeed thicker than blood.  Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus…

Matthew 12, The Message

Obedience Is Thicker than Blood

^46-47 While he was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers showed up. They were outside trying to get a message to him. Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and brothers are out here, wanting to speak with you.”

^48-50 Jesus didn’t respond directly, but said, “Who do you think my mother and brothers are?” He then stretched out his hand toward his disciples. “Look closely. These are my mother and brothers. Obedience is thicker than blood. The person who obeys my heavenly Father’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Listen to what Jesus is saying, then do it.  Trust and obey.

• There’s no other way to God!
• There’s no other way to connect to God and grow in relationship with Him.
• There’s no other way to live joyfully expectant.
• There’s no other way to the Hope of eternal life.
• There’s no other way to truly enjoy His gift of abundant of living right now with freedom from sins!
• There’s no other way to fully know and experience God’s unconditional love, new mercies each day with His generous grace freely given unless we trust and obey.
• There’s no other way to peace, not as the world gives, but the peace of Christ.

Lord,

I have decided.  I will trust and obey.  I know the enemy will try to distract me from this decision and commitment but I also know that “greater are you in me than he that is in the world.”  That is a promise from you that I can trust.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  Be our strength, wisdom, and song all day long and into the night. 

In Jesus Name, For Your Glory, Amen