The Power of Full Obedience

The Power of Full Obedience: Moving from Yielding to Abundance

Have you ever felt stuck in a cycle of "almost there" with God? Like you're doing most things right, but something's still missing? 🤔

I found myself reflecting on this recently while studying the contrasting reigns of King Asa and his son Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles. Their stories reveal a profound truth that might be the missing piece in your spiritual journey.

The Tale of Two Kings

Imagine two leaders, both devoted to God, both making significant reforms in their nation. Yet one struggles with constant battles and instability, while the other experiences prosperity, peace, and divine establishment.

This wasn't just ancient history playing out—it was a spiritual principle being demonstrated through their lives.

King Asa loved God. Scripture even tells us "his heart was loyal to the Lord all his days." Yet there was one area where his obedience remained partial—he didn't remove the high places of idol worship. This single area of compromise created a foundation of instability that plagued his entire reign.

His son Jehoshaphat, however, took obedience a step further. The Bible says "his heart took delight in the ways of the Lord; moreover he removed the high places and wooden images from Judah." This complete obedience led to something remarkable—a kingdom that was "established in his hand."

"When leaders obey fully, God establishes them; when obedience is partial, insecurity and instability persist."

Partial vs. Full Obedience

There's a world of difference between these two approaches to following God:

Partial obedience requires constant effort ("strengthen your hands"). It's exhausting. You're always fighting battles that shouldn't be yours to fight. You experience moments of victory followed by unexpected defeats.

Full obedience results in divine establishment. When Jehoshaphat fully aligned with God's ways, amazing things happened:

  1. A powerful movement of worship and teaching spread through the nation (2 Chronicles 17:7-10)

  2. The fear of the Lord fell on surrounding kingdoms so they didn't attack

  3. His enemies began bringing him wealth and tributes (2 Chronicles 17:11)

  4. He "became increasingly powerful" and built fortresses and storage cities

Does this mean Jehoshaphat never faced challenges? Of course not. But his foundation was secure.

Beyond Surrender: The Power of Yielding

This brings me to a distinction that has transformed my own walk with God: the difference between surrendering and yielding.

Surrender often carries the connotation of giving up or losing something. It can feel passive—like we're waving a white flag in defeat.

Yielding, however, is an active, intentional decision to align with God's purpose. It's saying "yes" to His plan before you fully understand it.

Think about driving on a highway. Yielding isn't about stopping—it's about merging into the flow of traffic. Spiritually, it means positioning yourself to move in harmony with what God is already doing.

"Yielding is not about giving up—it's about stepping into divine alignment."

The Be, Do, Have Blueprint for Abundance

God's original command to humanity reveals His blueprint for abundance:

BE – Identity is the foundation. Genesis 1:27 tells us we are created in God's image. When you truly understand who you are—that you carry the seed of God's creativity within you—everything changes. You don't have to strive to be fruitful; you were designed for it.

DO – Your actions flow from your identity. The command to "be fruitful and multiply" isn't passive—it's a call to intentional action. When you know who you are, your actions align naturally with your divine design.

HAVE – What you possess is the result of who you are and what you do. Abundance follows intentionality. God's design isn't for scarcity but for overflow.

The 7 Dimensions of Praise

One practical way Jehoshaphat experienced breakthrough was through a commitment to worship. The document outlines seven Hebrew words for praise that reveal different dimensions of our worship:

  1. Todah – Thanksgiving, extending the hand in gratitude even when we don't feel like it

  2. Yadah – Lifting hands in worship, an outward expression of victory

  3. Halal – Boasting in God, celebrating Him exuberantly (the root of "Hallelujah")

  4. Shabach – Shouting or declaring triumphantly

  5. Zamar – Praising with music and instruments

  6. Barak – Kneeling in reverence and adoration

  7. Tehillah – Spontaneous, Spirit-led songs of praise

These aren't just cultural expressions—they're divine invitations to encounter God face-to-face.

This Week's Challenge

Where might God be calling you to move from partial to full obedience? What "high places" remain in your life that are creating instability?

I challenge you this week to:

  1. Identify one area where you've been holding back from full alignment with God

  2. Make a conscious decision to yield in that area—not just surrendering, but actively saying "yes" to God's direction

  3. Express your commitment through one of the dimensions of praise we explored

  4. Journal what happens as you take these steps of faith

Let's Connect

Has this message resonated with you? I'd love to hear your story! Share in the comments how God is calling you to move from partial to full obedience, or a time when yielding to God led to unexpected abundance in your life.

Remember, in the kingdom of God, partial obedience brings struggle, but full obedience brings divine establishment. Let's choose the path of Jehoshaphat—complete alignment that leads to supernatural provision.

"But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!" (2 Chronicles 15:7)