The Power of Humility: How True Greatness Begins with Surrender

Walking In Obedience: Trusting God When It Doesn’t Make Sense

You’ve probably been there: God nudges you toward a path that looks risky, confusing, or downright ridiculous to your natural senses. Maybe you’re being asked to forgive someone who hurt you badly, to take a job that pays less but feels right, or to step down from a position of authority so someone else can lead. When God’s directions collide with logic, you’re left with a choice: follow what makes sense to you, or practice Christian humility and trust Him anyway.

This article explores what walking in obedience looks like when it doesn’t make sense, why Christian humility matters in those moments, and how biblical examples can guide you. You’ll see Jesus and Moses model humility, read about people whose obedience seemed irrational but led to glorious outcomes, and get practical suggestions for how to live obediently in leadership, relationships, and daily life. Throughout, I’ll point you to Scripture so you can check the original context and let God’s Word speak directly to your situation.

Why Obedience Often Doesn’t Make Sense

You face cognitive dissonance when faith invites actions that contradict instinct, culture, or convenience. Obedience can demand vulnerability, surrender, and long-term trust instead of immediate payoff. That friction is not accidental; it’s the terrain where Christian humility is forged. Humility doesn’t mean being foolish or passive—it means orienting your will under God’s authority, even when His ways are counterintuitive.

When you decide to obey in the gray areas, you’re not only following instructions—you’re engaging your heart in a posture of dependence. That posture often looks foolish to onlookers because it defies the metrics the world uses: power, prestige, and immediate results. But the Bible repeatedly shows that God values obedience and humility, and He uses them to accomplish His purposes in ways you might never predict.

The Biblical Backbone of Obedience and Humility

Scripture is full of folks whose journeys illustrate obedience that didn’t make sense at first glance. Their stories give you precedent and perspective. When you study their lives, you’re reminded that obedience frequently requires stepping into uncertainty and trusting in promises rather than present evidence.

Jesus Washing the Disciples’ Feet: The Ultimate Example

One of the most striking acts of humility in the Gospels is Jesus washing His disciples’ feet. In that moment, Jesus, the Teacher and Lord, took the posture of a servant and modeled what His followers were to practice. That act wasn’t merely symbolic; it was a demonstration that leadership in God’s kingdom looks different than leadership by the world’s standards. If the Savior of the world stooped to serve, you have a clear template for humility in your relationships and leadership.

Read the passage and notice the intentional reversal of expectations: John 13:1-17. The very One you would expect to be served humbled Himself to serve you.

Moses’ Meekness: Strength Shown Through Humility

Moses is often associated with authority, and yet the Bible describes him as exceptionally meek—more than anyone else on the face of the earth. That word meekness doesn’t mean weak; it means controlled strength under God’s reins. Moses’ humility allowed him to hear God, intercede for people, and shepherd a nation despite their complaints and rebellion.

See how Scripture describes Moses’ character here: Numbers 12:3. His example teaches you that Christian humility in leadership is not capitulation but disciplined reliance on God.

Abraham’s Faith: Obedience That Looks Impossible

Abraham was asked to do the unthinkable—sacrifice his son Isaac. From human eyes, obeying that command made no sense at all. Yet Abraham trusted God’s promise and was willing to obey, demonstrating a depth of faith and submission that still challenges you today. God ultimately provided a ram and reaffirmed His covenant, showing that obedience—even when it looks like a contradiction—both honors God and positions you to see His provision.

You can read the entire narrative here: Genesis 22:1-19. Abraham’s story is a high-stakes reminder of what Christian humility can look like when trust overrides understanding.

Joshua and Jericho: Obedience Against Strategy

When God told Joshua and the Israelites to march around Jericho for seven days while blowing trumpets, it sounded like a bizarre military strategy. Yet their obedience—unremarkable by human tactical standards—brought down the city walls by God’s power. This episode shows you that obedience sometimes looks like ritual, repetition, or seemingly irrational patience, but it places you under God’s supernatural work rather than human achievement.

The account is in Joshua 6:1-20.

Jonah: When Obedience Follows Reluctant Surrender

Jonah wasn’t eager to obey God’s command to go to Nineveh, and his initial disobedience led to dramatic consequences. Yet after being given a second chance, his eventual obedience, though reluctant, brought repentance to an entire city. Jonah’s story reminds you that disobedience complicates things, but God’s mercy persists—and that even imperfect obedience can fulfill God’s larger purposes.

Explore Jonah’s journey in these passages: Jonah 1:1-3 and Jonah 3:1-10.

Paul and the Posture of Christ-Like Humility

Paul’s teaching on humility is dense and practical. He points readers to Christ’s self-emptying as the model for how Christians should see themselves and relate to others. This kind of humility compels you to consider others’ needs above your own and to be willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel. Paul’s life—persecuted, imprisoned, yet joyful—demonstrates that obedience can be costly but richly purposeful when it follows the pattern of Jesus.

Read Paul’s teaching on humility and the example of Christ: Philippians 2:5-11.

The Hall of Faith: Obedience Pays Off in Trust

Hebrews 11 provides a panoramic view of people who trusted God despite not seeing the full picture. Their steadfastness stems from a faith that acts—obedience based on promise rather than visible evidence. When you walk in that kind of trust, you join a long line of believers who preferred God’s vision to the immediate facts.

If you want to be encouraged by these witnesses, read Hebrews 11. Their stories build your confidence that Christian humility and obedience are not wasted.

Understanding Christian Humility

Christian humility is not self-deprecation or low self-esteem. It’s a posture: you acknowledge your dependence on God, value others above yourself, and yield your rights and preferences when God’s will calls you elsewhere. Humility reshapes how you lead, how you serve, and how you relate to both God and people.

Scripture is clear about God’s stance toward the humble and proud. He resists the proud but gives grace to the humble, and He exalts those who genuinely submit to Him. This is not conditional manipulation—humility is both a gift and a discipline, cultivated as you lean into the Spirit and the Word.

See the promise that God gives grace to the humble here: James 4:6, and the exhortation to humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand: 1 Peter 5:5-6.

The Difference Between False Humility and Christian Humility

You might confuse false humility with true Christian humility. False humility can be a display—an attempt to appear humble for praise—or a toxic self-abasement that avoids responsibility. Christian humility, by contrast, is rooted in Christ’s example and is outwardly manifested in love, service, and obedience. It’s honest about your gifts and weaknesses and seeks the flourishing of others.

Matthew’s Gospel and Paul’s letters offer practical markers for genuine humility: consider others, deny yourself, and follow Jesus’ example in word and deed. See Jesus’ own call to take up your cross: Matthew 16:24.

Walking in Obedience When It Doesn’t Make Sense: Practical Steps

When you’re called to obey in situations that defy your logic, you need practical rhythms that support a humble, trusting heart. These steps are not formulaic but habitual: they recalibrate your soul to God’s voice and steady you in the fog.

Start with Prayer and Listening

The first step is to slow down and listen. Prayer isn’t merely reciting a checklist; it’s aligning your heart with God’s intent and clarifying whether the prompting is truly from the Lord. You won’t always feel a dramatic confirmation, but persistent, humble prayer cultivates discernment and patience, and it positions you to receive direction.

The psalmists and prophets modeled a life saturated with prayer and listening to God. You can follow their lead by asking God for clarity and peace as you weigh decisions.

Obey in Small Things to Build Trust

Obedience is a muscle. When God calls you to something that seems enormous, your track record of faithful small decisions gives you the courage to step. Consistently saying “yes” to the small, inconvenient opportunities to obey—like forgiving quickly, speaking truth kindly, and serving without attention—builds a history of trust that you’ll draw on when bigger calls come.

Jesus taught the value of faithfulness in small matters; being faithful in little is preparation for greater responsibility.

Practice Servant Leadership in Your Circles

If you’re a leader, model Christian humility by serving the people you lead. Leadership that mirrors Jesus’ example invites trust and creates space for obedience among those you influence. Serving doesn’t mean you lack convictions; it means you prioritize others’ well-being and are willing to be misunderstood for the sake of Christlike love.

See the pattern Jesus established in a powerful way: John 13:14-15. You’ll notice that humility is both practical and transformative.

Choose Community and Accountability

Obedience rarely flourishes in isolation. Surround yourself with people who will pray with you, speak truth to you, and encourage you when obedience feels costly. Community helps you test impressions and receive correction, preventing pride and despair from gaining a foothold. You don’t have to carry the burden alone; the body of Christ is designed for mutual strengthening.

The early church practiced mutual encouragement and accountability as they walked out radical obedience together.

Remember God’s Promises and Past Faithfulness

When you face decisions that don’t make sense, rehearse God’s promises. Scriptures like Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 8:28 remind you that God orders your steps and works all things for good for those who love Him. Remembering how God has been faithful in smaller things softens the fear that accompanies big, nonsensical calls.

Faith is strengthened by memory—recall God’s past provisions as you move forward.

Embrace Suffering as Part of the Journey

Obedience sometimes means entering suffering. When obedience leads you into hardship, remember that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope. That’s not a platitude—it’s biblical reality. You won’t always get a quick fix; sometimes you’re being shaped into Christlikeness through trials.

The apostle Paul and many biblical figures modeled a way of rejoicing in suffering because they trusted God’s refining purposes. See the promise about endurance producing hope here: Romans 5:3-5.

Christian Humility in Leadership and Relationships

When you practice Christian humility, your approach to leading and loving others changes. Humility affects decisions about power, priority, and posture—how you use influence, how you listen, and how you steward relationships.

Humble Leadership: Power Used to Serve

Leadership modeled by Moses, Jesus, and Paul reframes power as a tool for enabling others rather than boosting personal status. Moses’ meekness let him intercede for a rebellious people; Jesus’ washing of feet showed that leaders should serve; Paul’s letters exhorted leaders to shepherd gently.

If you lead, ask yourself: How does my leadership magnify God, bless others, and cultivate obedience in my people? Humble leaders prioritize the growth and welfare of others, even when it costs them personally.

Humility in Marriage and Family

Obedience mingles with humility in marriage and family life in practical ways: choosing to listen more than insist, forgiving quickly, and serving daily. Humility isn’t a one-time act; it’s a long-term posture that shapes your responses to conflict and disappointment.

Scripture’s teaching on mutual submission and love fits right alongside Christian humility: it calls you to give up short-term wins for the sake of relationship health and gospel witness.

Humility in Church Community

In a church, humility keeps truth and love in balance. You’re called to speak truth in love, to correct gently, and to accept correction without defensiveness. Christian humility helps you bear with others’ weaknesses and celebrate their strengths, fostering unity rather than division.

Remember the imperative to be humble toward one another: 1 Peter 5:5-6 highlights how humility undergirds healthy community life.

Common Obstacles to Obedience and How to Overcome Them

Obstacles will arise when you try to obey in ways that don’t make sense. Recognizing them helps you respond wisely rather than reactively.

Pride Blocks Your Listening

Pride tells you you already know best, so you stop listening for God. Combat pride by cultivating gratitude, confessing arrogance, and intentionally placing yourself under Scripture and wise counsel. Humility grows when you admit limitations and rely on God.

The Bible warns: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. See that truth here: James 4:6.

Fear Makes You Play It Safe

Fear often masquerades as prudence. When you’re scared of consequences, you may choose the comfortable route instead of obedience. Face fear with rehearsed trust—remember God’s past faithfulness, pray for courage, and take next steps of obedience that are small and repeatable.

Jesus called His followers to take up their cross—an invitation that requires courage and trust. Consider His words in Matthew 16:24.

Misguided Obedience or Legalism

Not every call you feel is from God. Legalism or misguided zeal can push you into harmful actions that masquerade as obedience. Test your impressions against Scripture, wise counsel, and the fruit produced by the action. True obedience aligns with God’s character and advances His kingdom rather than promoting control or harm.

Hebrews 11 and the broader counsel of Scripture guide you to judge tests of obedience by God’s revealed will.

The Rewards and Results of Obedient Humility

Obedience and humility don’t always lead to immediate blessing, but biblical promises assure you that God notices and honors faithfulness. Sometimes the reward is intimacy with God, deeper character, or unexpected provision. Other times, obedience sets you on a trajectory that blesses many people years later.

God Exalts the Humble

Scripture promises that God lifts up the humble. This doesn’t mean that humility is a manipulative tactic to achieve success, but it does mean that when you genuinely submit, God will work on your behalf in ways that align with His glory.

You can reflect on Jesus’ example of humility leading to exaltation in Philippians 2:5-11.

Trust Deepens and Character Forms

One of the most valuable outcomes of obedience is the formation of Christlike character within you. Harsh circumstances and perplexing calls become the soil where perseverance, faith, and love grow. Over time, walking obediently recalibrates your desires toward what pleases God more than what pleases you.

Hebrews 11’s roster of faithful people offers you models of how character builds through trusting actions. See the entire chapter here: Hebrews 11.

When Obedience Leads to Mystery: Living with Tension

You will occasionally find that obedience leads to further mystery rather than immediate clarity. You obey one command, and another question pops up. That tension is part of faith: you live with unanswered questions while choosing trust. Learning to live with spiritual ambiguity without abandoning obedience is a spiritual discipline.

Isaiah reminds you that God’s ways and thoughts are higher than yours: Isaiah 55:8-9. Accepting that truth permits you to obey without immediate explanation.

Scriptures to Anchor You in Uncertain Obedience

When you feel doubt, these verses can be anchors you return to. They help your heart reorient and remind you that obedience is the language by which you say, “I trust You more than my own sight.”

• Trust God’s leading: Proverbs 3:5-6
• Humility and God’s favor: James 4:6
• Exalting through service: Philippians 2:5-11
• Take up your cross: Matthew 16:24
• God brings good from obedience: Romans 8:28

You can meditate on these passages when obedience feels costly and when it feels confusing.

Real-Life Examples You Can Emulate

Obedience that doesn’t make sense isn’t just biblical; it’s practical in everyday decisions. Consider these modern scenarios:

• A leader steps down so a new, gifted leader can guide the team—an act of Christian humility that benefits the community.
• Someone forgives and reconciles instead of escalating a conflict, trusting God to preserve dignity and restore relationships.
• A family chooses a simpler lifestyle to serve a ministry or to be present with children, choosing long-term value over short-term gain.

In each case, outwardly irrational choices can lead to spiritual fruit and deeper dependence on God.

Cultivating a Lifelong Habit of Obedient Humility

If you want obedience to be your default, cultivate small, sustainable rhythms: daily Scripture reading, honest confession, regular service, and active community. Celebrate small victories of obedience and learn from missteps without despair. Habits of humility are formed by repeated obedience in everyday contexts—moments when you choose grace over pride, service over comfort, and trust over instinct.

Remember the beatitude that honors a humble heart: Matthew 5:3. A “poor in spirit” posture is the soil where godly obedience takes root.

Final Encouragement

Walking in obedience when it doesn’t make sense is the practice of Christian humility: you lower yourself not to stay low, but to be lifted by God according to His timing and purposes. You won’t always understand, and that’s okay. Scripture and the examples of Jesus, Moses, Abraham, Joshua, Jonah, and Paul give you both permission and precedent to obey in faith.

So when the next confusing call comes, choose trust. Take the next obedient step, however small. Let God’s Word shape your choices, ask for the Spirit’s courage, and walk forward with the quiet confidence that God honors humility and uses obedience to fulfill His redemptive plan.

Explore More

For further reading and encouragement, check out these posts:

👉 7 Bible Verses About Faith in Hard Times

👉  Job’s Faith: What We Can Learn From His Trials

👉 How To Trust God When Everything Falls Apart

👉 Why God Allows Suffering – A Biblical Perspective

👉 Faith Over Fear: How To Stand Strong In Uncertain Seasons

👉 How To Encourage Someone Struggling With Their Faith

👉 5 Prayers for Strength When You’re Feeling Weak

📘 Jesus and the Woman Caught in Adultery – Grace and Mercy Over Judgement
A powerful retelling of John 8:1-11. This book brings to life the depth of forgiveness, mercy, and God’s unwavering love.
👉 Check it now on Amazon 🛒💥