Obedience Over Sacrifice
April Reflections: Surrender’s Strength
This past month has been a beautiful paradox: filled with worship, fasting, learning, and deep refinement. I sought the Lord, and He responded with clarity, strength, and a deeper call to obedience. Though trials came, so did His presence, reminding me that discipline is not rejection—it’s preparation.
As I continue through this season of trials and tribulations, I can say with confidence: my God has never forsaken me. There is a call to surrender that He has placed on my life, and by His grace, I’ve responded in obedience. While I’m still learning what it truly means to surrender every aspect of my life to Him, obedience has become the anchor that’s guiding me.
I praise my Heavenly Father for His mercy and sustaining grace in this season. I’m beginning to fully grasp the weight and beauty of His Word: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13). Oh, how faithful our God is, even in the moments that feel the hardest. When it seems like He’s silent, He is still present, still working, still keeping His promises.
A Purpose in Progress: Health & Wellness at Emory University
Alongside this spiritual journey, God has been opening new doors in my professional life as well. I’m incredibly thankful for all I’ve been learning in the space of Health & Wellness and honored to coach others and be coached on this journey through my coaching program at Emory University. Each session is a reminder that this is more than just a role, and a career—it’s a calling. God is aligning me more fully with the purpose He created me for, for His kingdom, and for that, I give Him all the glory.
If you’re feeling stretched in this season, take heart, God is doing something greater than you can see. Whether in your personal trials or your professional path, trust that He’s orchestrating everything for His glory and your growth.
Devotional Takeaway:
God’s silence is never absence. Sometimes, it’s in the pressing and pruning that we find the deepest intimacy with Him. If you’re walking through a season of surrender, know this: obedience will strengthen your faith, and reveal God ‘s presence. Remember what Scripture reminds us in 1 Samuel 15:22: “ Behold to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen is better than the fat of rams.” Obedience is not just an act, it’s a posture of the heart that draws us closer to His will.
Let’s Reflect Together:
Have you felt God calling you to surrender lately? What does obedience look like in your current season? I’d love to hear from you, reply to this email or comment below.
Together, let’s continue to grow in faith, purpose, and wellness.
With love & grace,
Darline
