Her brother and her mother said, “Let the young woman remain with us a while, at least ten days; after that she may go.”  But he said to them, “Do not delay me, since the Lord has prospered my way. Send me away that I may go to my master.”

~Genesis 24:55-56 ESV

I once worked with Youth with a Mission, recruiting young people for short-term mission trips. We did short dramatic skits in churches. One skit had a young person considering a mission trip, but Satan whispered things in the potential missionary’s ear to deter him. The Devil told him he would lose all his creature comforts, like the kind of food he lived to eat or his hair dryer. Additionally, he might encounter dangers in a foreign land. The young man resisted all the Devil’s temptations, but then Satan returned with something that sounded reasonable: “Sure, you are supposed to go on a mission trip, but why the rush? You have plenty of time. You have the rest of your life. There will be a time that is more convenient.” The young man discovered delayed obedience is disobedience.

Abraham’s servant had a task, and he knew incomplete or delayed obedience would hinder getting the job done. The truth is that the first time God speaks is always the most convenient time to obey. If we delay, our second chance will always be more difficult. If we delay too long, life happens, and the opportunity God has given might disappear.

The psalmist said he hastened and did not delay to keep God’s commands (Psalms 119:60 ESV). When the Bible speaks about God’s people listening to Him, the meaning inherently speaks to obedience,  not just hearing something. We must always take action. It can be as detrimental to our walk with God to delay obedience as to say no to Him.

Is God using His Word, His still small voice, or others’ wise counsel to speak to you about obedience? Take to heart the songwriter’s words to trust and obey. This is the only healthy way.

Lord, help me to obey You immediately so my delayed obedience will not result in disobedience. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2025: Delayed Obedience Is Disobedience: Ken Barnes: All Rights Reserved