When Obedience Feels Like Punishment

• By candidasullivan
• April 13, 2026
• No Comments

Does your obedience feel like punishment?

I feel this right now. Sometimes, following God and sharing our faith leads right into trouble and suffering. We can go back and read God’s Word to see that this is not something new. 

By following the Lord, the children of Israel found themselves trapped between their enemies and the Red Sea. I’m sure they experienced a little fear and probably disappointment when they discovered that following God’s lead led them into tribulation. But then, God had a plan. He parted the waters and even dried the ground. 

The Hebrew children, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, are another example. Their obedience to God led them into a fiery furnace. But even knowing that they might die, they didn’t back down. They didn’t agree to go along with the king, even a little bit, to save their lives. They didn’t pretend to worship him. Nope. They refused. And God met them in the fire. He didn’t even let it touch them in any way. 

Daniel is another example of true obedience, regardless of the cost. His prayer life led him into the lion’s den. When the King issued a decree prohibiting prayer, Daniel ignored it. He continued to pray to His God. And the God he worshiped saved him from harm. God shut the mouth of the lions. 

Sweet friend, serving God and following Him often leads us into tribulation and trials. We will be misunderstood, punished, and hurt because of it. In moments when we have to decide whether to stand with God, it would do us good to remember these stories. 

Not only did God protect those who followed Him and stood for Him, but He also rewarded their obedience. He will do the same for us if we follow Him, regardless of the cost. 

Standing in the middle, afraid to take a stand, is not being obedient. Shrinking back in adversity is stepping away from what God is calling us to do.

I want to be like the ones who stood with God, regardless of the cost. I want to praise my Lord, regardless of my circumstances. I want to be on fire for Him, so that if others are watching my life, they see Him.