I.O.U: Immediate Obedience to You

by Tammy Phillips
May 6, 2025

I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands.(Psalm 119:60 NLT)

In our fast-paced world, we’re often encouraged to pause and weigh every option before taking action. I believe discernment is wise, BUT in one area delay can be disobedience. It is in our response to God’s asks.

What is Immediate Obedience? Immediate obedience means responding to God’s instructions the moment He speaks without hesitation, excuses, or delay. It is not partial or delayed compliance. It’s a “yes” that runs with speed and trust.

Think about Abraham. When God told him to offer Isaac: “Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey…” (Genesis 22:3 NIV) There was no record of questioning, debating, or stalling. He just obeyed…immediately.

Delayed obedience is still disobedience. We may comfort ourselves with the thought, “I will obey… later.” Delayed obedience can be a form of rebellion. My will might be to do it when. “I will,” not when God wills.

Didn’t you love it when you asked your kids to do something, and they stopped and did it? You did not have to ask multiple times—that’s immediate obedience. How often did that happen? How often are we that quick to obey God?

Immediate obedience matters because it is the very least we can do for God Who gave up His only son Jesus for us.

Immediate obedience honors God’s authority in our lives. When we obey immediately, we show that God’s voice is supreme in our lives. Like Peter, who dropped his nets instantly when Jesus called. “Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.” (Matthew 4:20 CSB)

Immediate obedience positions us for blessing. Obedience unlocks divine favor and timing. Delayed obedience may cause us to miss a perfectly divine appointment with God.

Immediate obedience builds spiritual sensitivity to Holy Spirit’s leading. The more we respond quickly, the more attuned we become to His voice. The more we delay, the more dull we become.

How do we become “Immediately Obedient” people?

• Stay in God’s word. Scripture trains our hearts to recognize and respond to His will. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105 AMP)

• Pray for a soft heart. Ask God to make you quick to obey with no delay. “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” (Hebrews 3:15 CSB)

• Listen to the still quiet voice who guides your heart. Obedience in the small things trains us for the big assignments.

• Resolutely decide to be obedient.

IO.U.= Immediate obedience to You. It is the very least we can do for God. He breathed life into us and gave up the life of His only son for our salvation. It is not because we are forced, but because we love Him. “If you love me, you will keep my commands.” John 14:15 CSB)

I enCOURAGE you to respond like Isaiah: “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8 (NIV) No delay. No debate. Just obedience.

“Do everything without murmuring or questioning [the providence of God]…” (Philippians 2:14 AMP)

(PS…This last verse has only come up about 4 times in the last two days. Think God is trying to teach me a lesson…again? Apply duck tape to mouth!