Gratitude Begins with Obedience

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I didn’t want to say yes.

When my pastor asked me to help start a crisis pregnancy center, everything inside me screamed no. I was homeschooling three kids, writing, volunteering at church—I was already stretched thin. Adding one more thing seemed impossible.

But here’s the surprising truth I’ve learned: gratitude doesn’t begin when everything is neat and orderly, when we finally feel ready, or when we think we have the qualifications lined up. Gratitude begins with obedience.

The Doorway to Gratitude

James 1:22 tells us, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

It’s one thing to read God’s Word. It’s another thing entirely to walk it out. Gratitude doesn’t flow from more Bible studies or better intentions—it flows when we take the risk of obedience.

Obedience is the doorway to gratitude, because when we step into God’s call, we discover His faithfulness waiting for us.

The Uncomfortable Yes

That morning after my pastor’s request, I pulled out my Bible and prayed. Honestly, my prayer sounded more like an excuse list:

“Lord, I’m already serving. I’m writing about You! Surely that’s enough.”

But God gently whispered to my heart: “What about the young woman who feels just like you did—scared, ashamed, and unsure where to turn? Don’t you remember the ones who reached out to you? Who will help her if you don’t?”

I knew then. My yes was needed. Not because I had all the answers, but because God was asking me to obey.

That single yes changed everything. I got to witness miracles: young women choosing life, moms finding hope, children being given a chance to thrive. And gratitude swelled in my heart—not because the work was easy, but because God was faithful.

A Front-Row Seat

Obedience doesn’t mean we suddenly have everything figured out. In fact, most of the time, it means stepping forward unsure, unqualified, and overwhelmed. I had no experience starting a nonprofit, no degree in counseling, no fundraising skills. But I had a yes.

And God took it from there. Volunteers showed up. Donations came in. Young women walked through our doors and found not just practical help, but the hope of Christ.

Each time I said yes, my gratitude deepened. Because with every step, I realized something profound: God wasn’t asking me to accomplish the impossible. He was simply asking me to obey.

Gratitude in the Hard Stories

Obedience also brought me into the lives of young moms like Kayleigh. At fifteen, she looked tough on the outside, but beneath the bravado was a girl carrying unthinkable pain. For years, I wondered if she was listening to anything we shared at our teen mom support group.

Then one day, she gave her life to Jesus. Her story didn’t end with her—she went on to share hope with women in strip clubs and those trapped in sex trafficking. Kayleigh’s obedience inspired mine, and together we discovered something beautiful: gratitude grows when we see God transform brokenness into purpose.

What Gratitude Really Looks Like

We think gratitude is about counting blessings, keeping a journal, or listing what went well today. And those practices are good. But lasting gratitude doesn’t just happen when circumstances improve—it happens when we take the next obedient step.

• Obedience shifts our eyes off what we lack and onto what God provides.
• Obedience transforms our fears into testimonies.
• Obedience invites us into God’s story—and gratitude is the natural overflow.
  

Your Next Step

Friend, what step of obedience is God asking you to take today?

Maybe it’s starting a conversation you’ve been putting off. Maybe it’s clearing your schedule to make space for God’s voice. Maybe it’s stepping into a ministry that feels far bigger than your ability.

Don’t wait until you feel ready. Don’t wait until your life is perfectly organized. Gratitude doesn’t grow in the safe zone—it blossoms in the steps of faith.

Take the step. Obey. And then watch as gratitude follows, not because the path is easy, but because God is faithful. Gratitude doesn’t begin with getting what we want. It begins when we obey the One who knows what we need.

Additional Resources

Walk It Out

Women often pack their lives with family, friendships, and faithful service, yet still end up feeling empty and unfulfilled. In Walk It Out, Tricia Goyer invites you into a new way of living—one where gratitude overflows because obedience opens the door to God’s greater plan.

When we stop trying to chase our own dreams and begin to walk out the mandates of Scripture—caring for the needy, loving the orphan, sharing the gospel—something incredible happens. God sparks passion, purpose, and joy within us.

Sometimes those steps feel small. Sometimes they stretch us outside of what feels safe or secure. But every time, they lead us closer to the heart of God.

If you’ve ever longed to trade exhaustion for purpose, or busyness for joy, Walk It Out will show you how every step of obedience leads to gratitude and every act of surrender opens the way for God to write a bigger story in your life.

👉 Get your copy of Walk It Out today and discover the joy of living with gratitude, one obedient step at a time.