May 6 – The Freedom to Follow God’s Leading
When we are no longer defined by obligation, we become free to follow the unpredictable rhythm of grace. James Finley
Gregg’s Reflection
When I lived under the weight of obligation, my choices were often shaped by guilt, fear, or what others might think. The “right” thing was usually whatever kept me from disappointing someone—whether God, my family, or my colleagues. It was a heavy way to live, one that left little room for joy, spontaneity, or even God’s unexpected invitations.
The turning point came when I began to see that God’s leading was not another burden to carry, but a gift to receive. Instead of the tightness in my chest that obligation brought, I felt a lightness in my spirit when I sensed His direction. Following God’s leading wasn’t about proving my worth—it was about trusting His love enough to take the next step.
Sometimes God’s leading has taken me into unknown terrain—selling the family business, stepping into ministry, building a cabin in the mountains. None of those decisions made perfect sense on paper, but they brought me deeper into the life God was calling me to live. In freedom, I’m not driven by the fear of getting it wrong; I’m drawn by the hope of walking with Him in the right-now moment.
Scripture
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’
Isaiah 30:21
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
John 10:27
Ancient Quotes
Do you wish to be great? Then begin by being. Do you desire to construct a vast and lofty structure? Think first about the foundations of humility. The higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be its foundation.” — Saint Augustine, Sermon 69
Grace does not destroy freedom but perfects it.
Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, I–II, Q.111, a.2
Modern Quotes
When we are no longer defined by obligation, we become free to follow the unpredictable rhythm of grace.
James Finley, Merton’s Palace of Nowhere, p. 67
God’s will for you is not an itinerary; it’s an identity. It’s not about getting from point A to point B in the quickest way possible. It’s about walking with God through the whole journey.
John Ortberg, God Is Closer Than You Think, p. 85
When we live from the True Self, we are free to follow God’s call without being paralyzed by the fear of making a mistake.
Richard Rohr, Falling Upward, p. 110
Journaling Prompts
- When have you felt the difference between following obligation and following God’s leading?
- What “heavy” obligations might God be inviting you to set down?
- How have you experienced the lightness and joy of saying “yes” to God’s direction?
- What step of trust could you take this week in response to God’s voice?
As you ponder this week’s devotions, do you find yourself living in a worldview of obligation, stuck trying to prove yourself, unable to say no? Imagine what it would be to live into freedom. One of the major turns in my life was letting go of obligation to live in freedom. Join me.
👉 Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 18 Reflections: Freedom vs Obligation