Whatever He Says to You, Do It
A Reflection Journal by Olufemi Ikumapayi (Eagle)
At the wedding in Cana of Galilee, Mary gave the servants one timeless instruction:
“Whatever He says to you, do it.” (John 2:5)
That was the secret behind the first miracle of Jesus ̶ ordinary water became
extraordinary wine. The servants didn’t pray for a miracle, they simply obeyed an
instruction. And in that obedience, glory was revealed.
The same truth confronts us today. Many of us sincerely seek God ̶ we pray, we fast, we
cry, we ask for breakthrough ̶ but when His word comes, the real question is:
- Are we willing to do whatever He says?
- Do we follow His instructions when they challenge our logic?
- Do we gladly say yes to His will even when it costs us?
- Are we humble enough to lay down our own wisdom for His?
Often, it is not that God is unwilling to move ̶ it is that we are unwilling to obey.
Even sincere seekers hesitate when His instruction comes. Scripture gives us examples of
why:
- Unbelief
We sometimes doubt the outcome. The servants at Cana could have said, “How can water
become wine?” But obedience in faith turned the impossible into reality. - Fear
Fear is one of the greatest enemies of obedience. Many want financial breakthrough, yet
when God nudges them to start a business, sow a seed, or take a bold step, fear whispers:
“You can’t do it. What if you fail?” But like Peter walking on water, fear is silenced
only when we keep our eyes on Jesus. - Comfort Zone
The rich young ruler wanted eternal life but refused to let go of his wealth. Many pray for
change but cling to the familiar. Yet obedience often demands leaving our nets, our plows,
and our land ̶ stepping into a new season with God. - Pride
Naaman almost lost his healing because dipping in the Jordan felt beneath him. Pride says,
“I know better. This instruction is too small.” But humility always opens the door to
God’s power. - Greed / Self-Preservation
The widow of Zarephath was asked to give her last meal to Elijah. If she had clung to it,
she and her son would have died. Instead, her obedience turned scarcity into supernatural
supply.
Obedience doesn’t always look like a “spiritual act.” Sometimes it shows up in very
practical areas of life, where God asks us to make a decision that stretches us beyond
comfort. - Leaving the Security of Full-Time Work
Years ago, while working in Nigeria, I had a well-paying job. On the outside, it looked like
the kind of employment anyone would want to hold onto. But I felt a stirring in my spirit ̶
a nudge from the Lord to approach the CEO and request a change. Instead of remaining a
full-time employee, I asked to serve the company on a contract basis. This meant they
would only call me when my services were needed, and it freed up much more of my time.
In the natural, it seemed risky. Why let go of a stable, secure monthly salary? But I obeyed
that inner witness. Not long after, someone approached me and said:
“Mr. Femi, can we go to Israel together?”
If I had remained locked into the routine of full-time employment, there would have been
no way to take such a personal trip. That obedience opened a door for a life-changing
experience I would have missed otherwise.
Lesson: Sometimes God asks us to loosen our grip on security so He can bring us into
divine opportunities that require freedom, time, and flexibility. - Stepping Out to Build Connections
Some people naturally don’t enjoy making new friends ̶ they prefer their quiet space.
Yet the breakthrough or opportunity they need is hidden in a connection God wants to
bring their way. The Holy Spirit may whisper: “Attend that gathering. Greet that person.
Say hello first.”
It may feel uncomfortable, even unnecessary. But just as Naaman’s healing required
dipping in the Jordan, obedience may require stretching beyond your old self. A new
season may begin with something as simple as a smile, a handshake, or showing up where
God needs you to be.
Lesson: Obedience is not always about praying louder or fasting longer; sometimes it is
about taking that practical, uncomfortable step God has been whispering to your heart.
Obedience is rarely convenient. It often contradicts reason, challenges our fears, and
demands surrender. But every miracle recorded in Scripture hinged on someone doing not
what they preferred, but what He asked.
- The blind man washed in the pool of Siloam.
- The lepers went to show themselves to the priest.
- Peter cast the net one more time.
- Abraham offered Isaac.
- Mary simply said: “Do whatever He tells you.”
The same invitation comes to us today.
✍ Reflection Prompts - What has God asked me to do that I’ve delayed?
- Where have I substituted my wisdom for His?
- What “comfort zone” is He asking me to leave behind?
- What step of obedience can I take immediately?
“Lord Jesus, give me a heart that obeys without hesitation. Deliver me from unbelief, fear,
pride, greed, and comfort zones. Teach me to trust You beyond my wisdom, and to follow
wherever You lead. May my obedience become the doorway for Your glory in my life.
Amen.