Learning to obey when you would rather not
“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44 (ESV)
🛼 My Roller Derby Story
I used to play Roller Derby for Houston’s national all-star team. You’d think the hardest part would’ve been the hits, the bruises, or the relentless training—but for me, it was being a Christian in an environment that wasn’t exactly faith-friendly.
One of my fiercest teammates was Mistilla the Killa—an incredible skater and an even more intense personality. The day I invited the team to church, she got up in my face at practice and told me in no uncertain terms to keep my faith to myself. According to her, it didn’t belong there.
Now, if you know me, you know I’ve never been one to back down—especially with adrenaline pumping. I had gotten used to the side-eyes, the snide remarks, the social snubs. But Mistilla made it personal. She took every opportunity to be cold, dismissive, or just plain nasty. I didn’t like her. At all.
Then one day, I saw on Facebook that her dog had died. My heart softened for a split second—I know the pain of losing a pet. But just as quickly, I was ready to scroll on by. That’s when God nudged me: Make her a scrapbook of her dog.
“Make her a scrapbook of her dog.”
“Excuse me WHAT???
Lord have you lost your mind?!!
I argued. I resisted. But eventually, there I was—surrounded by scrapbook supplies, muttering under my breath while violently slapping photos to paper. Explaining to God how unfair this was and asking if He even saw what she did to me.
At the next practice, I gave her the album.
She was stunned.
Totally speechless. She couldn’t believe a Christian—me—would show her kindness. Everything changed after that. She started tolerating my faith, and I started tolerating her foul mouth. By the end of the season, she had become one of my favorite teammates. She even invited me to her exclusive Halloween party—an invitation I never expected. Had I not obeyed I would have missed out on knowing that amazing woman!
🙏 A Prayer for Obedience
Heavenly Father,
I come before You with a humble heart, seeking Your guidance and strength to walk in obedience to Your will. You know the desires of my heart and the challenges I face in following Your commands.
Help me trust Your wisdom and submit my will to Yours. Give me the courage to obey, even when it’s difficult.
Fill me with a love for Your Word. Let my life reflect my love for You.
When I struggle, remind me that obedience is not about perfection, but about a heart that longs to honor You.
Thank You for Your patience and grace. I surrender my will to You.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
🪞 Personal Reflection
Sometimes obedience means stepping way outside of your comfort zone. It may mean showing love when you feel like holding a grudge, or giving when you’d rather withhold. That scrapbook wasn’t just a gift—it was an act of obedience, and it changed everything. Mistilla didn’t just become nicer to me—I became softer, more trusting, more obedient.
Obedience often begins with inconvenience and ends in transformation. Maybe not for them. But definitely for you.
✍️ Reflection Questions
- Who is the “Mistilla” in your life? Is God nudging you to respond with unexpected love?
- When was the last time you ignored God’s prompting? What’s holding you back?
- How might your obedience be a testimony to someone else—even if they never say a word about it?
🔗 Explore more devotionals and real-life faith stories at AngelLynne.com
Angel Lynne Ministries 
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