Good morning! It’s Wednesday, April 9th. God often calls us to walk in unnatural obedience—to trust Him even when it goes against comfort, instinct, or logic. In 1 Samuel 6, two cows model this kind of surrender. Their story reminds us: unnatural obedience enables us to walk in supernatural purpose.
Today's Reading:
1 Samuel 6,7; Psalm 72; 2 Corinthians 9
Scripture
“Then the cows went straight up toward Beth Shemesh, keeping on the road and lowing all the way; they did not turn to the right or to the left. The rulers of the Philistines followed them as far as the border of Beth Shemesh.” (1 Samuel 6:12 NIV)
Observation
The Philistines set up a test to see if their suffering was truly from God or just a coincidence. So they created a nearly impossible scenario: two cows, newly separated from their calves, yoked for the first time, and sent in the opposite direction of their natural instinct. Every part of their design should have pulled them back. But the cows stayed the course. They lowed in protest, but they didn’t turn aside.
It was obedience—not instinct—that guided them forward. That kind of submission pointed unmistakably to the hand of God.
Application
Obedience is easy when it agrees with my desires. But what about when it doesn’t? What about when everything in me wants to do the opposite?
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When I want to defend myself, but He tells me to listen quietly.
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When bitterness feels justified, but God asks me to forgive.
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When I’d prefer relaxation, but He prompts me to serve.
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When logic says, “Hold on to what you have,” yet God encourages generosity.
In those moments, there’s a tension—like those cows lowing on the road. My emotions protest. My instincts resist. But the Lord’s path is straight, and obedience means I walk it—even when it’s uncomfortable or unfamiliar.
God often calls me to unnatural obedience—the kind that stretches my faith, shapes my character, and silences my flesh. And when I trust His voice more than my own, something powerful happens: I move forward… straight and steady, no turning. And if the cows can do it, so can I.
Prayer
Father, teach me to obey when it’s hard—when instinct says “turn back,” but You say “keep walking.” Help me to follow You with clarity and courage, even when my heart protests. Shape in me a faith that follows You straight ahead, one step at a time. Amen.
—Chris Kiriakos