Reflections on Obedience by God's Grace

Walking in step with the Spirit is like stepping into doors that open by design—effortless when aligned.

Devotional Credit: Day by Day by Grace by Bob Hoekstra
Photo Credit: Unsplash

God’s grace is not just a pardon—it’s a pathway. Today’s reflection from Bob Hoekstra reminds us that obedience isn’t born of grit but of grace. Romans 6:14 assures us that sin no longer has dominion over us—not because we’ve become better rule-keepers, but because we are no longer under the law. We are under grace. And grace does what law never could: it transforms from within.

The law defines holiness, but it cannot deliver it. It exposes sin, but it cannot expel it. Grace, however, accomplishes both. Through Christ, the righteous requirements of the law are fulfilled in us—not because we strive harder, but because we walk in step with the Spirit. The law was weakened by our flesh; grace is empowered by the Spirit.

Romans 8:4 takes us deeper. God desires obedience that flows from the indwelling life of His Son. It is not our old self trying to measure up; it is Christ’s life rising within us. The more we yield to the Spirit, the more we experience victory over the power of sin. Obedience under grace isn’t duty-bound—it’s Spirit-born. This is not a self-improvement plan, but a divine indwelling reality.

✍🏼 Personalized Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture

I have not called you to obey from your own strength but to walk in the obedience that flows from My presence within you. You are no longer under the weight of the law that demands but cannot deliver. You are under grace—My active favor working in you what pleases Me.

The law exposed your sin, but grace removes its power. You were once ruled by the flesh, but now you are led by My Spirit. Do not return to striving; the flesh cannot fulfill the righteous requirements of the law. But as you set your mind on Me and trust My indwelling presence, obedience becomes the natural outflow of our union.

Sin no longer owns you. It may clamor for your attention, but it cannot command your steps. You belong to Me. I am in you—not merely beside you—and I am your life. You walk in victory not because you try harder, but because you trust Me to express My life through you.

Yield, don’t strain. Trust, don’t toil. As you abide in Me, My obedience becomes your experience, My life becomes your living, and My righteousness becomes your walk.

Scriptures referenced: Romans 6:14; Romans 8:3–4; Hebrews 7:19; Ephesians 1:7; 2 Timothy 2:1

🪟 Real-Life Analogy

It’s like automatic doors at a grocery store. You don’t push them open—they open as you step forward. The power isn’t in your effort; it’s in your position. When you move in alignment with the sensor, the path opens. That’s how grace works: when you walk by the Spirit, obedience opens before you—not by your push, but by His power.

🙏🏼 Prayer of Confidence

Father, I thank You that I no longer live under the pressure of performing for Your approval. In Christ, You’ve given me both the desire and the ability to walk in obedience—not by striving, but by trusting. I rejoice that Your Spirit within me fulfills what the law never could. Today, I walk not in fear of falling short, but in faith that You are living Your life through me. Grace has set me free, and grace now carries me forward.