Daily Inspirations by Rev. Dr. Precious prothro

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Obedience Still Matters

Someone in our church recently lost a wallet that contained thousands of dollars. This wasn’t something he normally carried—it was for a specific purpose. When he realized it was gone, he assumed it was lost forever. Understandably, he was upset and discouraged.

In obedience to our pastor’s instruction, he went back to the place where he thought he might have lost it—even though he didn’t want to, and even though he didn’t believe it would still be there. Guess what? After three hours, the wallet was found and the money was untouched.

This story isn’t really about money. It’s about obedience.

Scripture reminds us that obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). In other words, what God desires most isn’t what we offer Him outwardly, but our willingness to follow His direction—even when it doesn’t make sense.

God also told His people that if they were willing and obedient, they would experience the good He had for them (Isaiah 1:19). At the same time, He made it clear that religious activity without obedience had become a burden to Him (Isaiah 1:11–15). The issue wasn’t the actions—it was the heart.

So today, let this be a gentle reminder: Listen for God’s guidance. Pay attention to the people He places in your life. Don’t dismiss instructions just because they don’t make sense at first.

Sometimes obedience is clear. Sometimes it feels blind. Sometimes it comes through the people God has placed in our lives—pastors, leaders, parents, friends, or even a quiet nudge from the Holy Spirit. But obedience still matters.

When we choose to listen and respond, we often discover that God was already working things out—even when we assumed it was too late.

Heavenly father, we don’t always understand the direction in which you are sending us. Sometimes it’s hard to trust those you have placed in our lives and often we need discernment. Either way, we want to obey your Holy Spirit in whatever way it comes. We thank you in advance for the blessings, healing, and victories you will provide because of our obedience. Amen. 

The Rearview Isn’t the Destination 

Yesterday’s New Year’s sermon really spoke to me. Our pastor shared the analogy of the rearview mirror versus the windshield, and it was such a needed reminder.

The rearview mirror has a purpose. It allows drivers to see what’s behind them so they can maneuver safely and make wise adjustments. But it was never meant to be where our eyes stay fixed. If we stare there too long, we risk missing what’s ahead.

The same is true in our walk with God. Our past matters. Our testimonies matter. Ecclesiastes 3:15 says, “God requireth that which is past.” What God has already done should be remembered, honored, and shared. Those moments built our faith.

But we were never meant to live there.

We can become so focused on what God has done that we forget to expect what is to come. One statement from the sermon really stayed with me: “What God has done is not all He can do.” That was good to me!

So, let’s not limit God to yesterday’s victories. Let’s thank Him for every door He’s already opened while trusting Him for the ones still ahead. The windshield is larger for a reason—it points us toward where we’re going.

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

We honor the past with gratitude—but we move forward with faith.

Loving Father, we thank You. For all You have brought us through and for all You will bring us to. We are grateful for all You have seen us through—good times and times that brought tears. We have experienced many seasons, but we understand that each was a part of our journey. We know that Your work in us is a continual process, and we thank You in advance for the victories to be won. We appreciate Your goodness and look forward to the expected end You have already ordained. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen. 

Beneath the Surface

Yesterday, my son learned a lesson about cleaning that I hope stays with him for a long time.

We had to take apart his toilet to figure out why there was a lingering issue in his bathroom. As we dismantled each piece, he gasped—again and again—because what was causing the problem wasn’t visible on the surface. He had been cleaning. He thought he was doing what was required and he was trying to make Mommy happy, but he learned that the real issue was hidden.

When he finally saw it, something shifted. Instead of frustration, he became excited—relieved, even—to understand what had been causing the problem all along.

And it made me think…Sound like us?

There are times when we know something in us needs attention, but we can’t quite put our finger on it. On the outside, things may look fine. We may be doing the “right” things. But beneath the surface, there are hidden places that need to be addressed.

When we go before the Lord with full transparency—removing the layers, the defenses, the masks—we can finally begin the process of healing and growth. That process may look like tending to old wounds, learning how to live after grief, forgiving ourselves or others, or simply gaining clarity about who we are becoming.

Hebrews 4:13 reminds us, “And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

Just as I knew something was going on beneath the surface, God already knows who we truly are—without pretense, without performance. And here’s the beautiful part: we don’t have to hide from Him.

We can bring all of ourselves—every part, even the messy or uncomfortable ones—before the Lord. When we do, we don’t find rejection. We find love. We find grace. We find forgiveness. And we find the opportunity to become whole.

Gracious and loving God, we come before You just as we are. Help us to stop hiding the parts of ourselves that need Your healing touch. Give us the courage to be transparent in Your presence, trusting that You already see us and still love us fully. Cleanse us from the inside out, and guide us as we grow into who You are calling us to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.