By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer
Must I understand to obey?
Which do I trust more –
my understanding or my King?
I’m working on a story for my upcoming novella collection. While writing over the last several weeks, I’ve been inspired to have my characters say and do specific things that I didn’t understand. Often I’d ask: Why did he do that? It doesn’t make sense. Why did she say that? How does it fit? Is it in character? Where is this going?
These are all legitimate questions.
As an author, there are always dogs on my heels: frustration, panic, impatience, doubt. But this time I kicked them off. Followed the impressions. And two weeks ago, while in a restful situation where I was not writing, an unseen hand tipped a bowl that spilled the reason out all over me like warm oil.
Everything made complete sense.
I understood why.
If I hadn’t obeyed in creating those characters’ personalities, dropping hints along the way that I didn’t understand, the plot would not have worked.
This was a first for me as an author. Typically, I know a little more as I write. After all, it’s up to me to make everything work out, right?
Wrong.
This time, God asked me to do it differently. To obey first, understand later.
I have seen that request in scripture: Adam and Eve in Eden, King Saul and the Amalekites, the blind man at the Pool of Siloam.
Has God asked you to do something you don’t understand? Buy two gallons of milk when you need only one? Turn and smile at the person behind you in the checkout line? Give that teenager a ten-dollar bill?
Obedience is lovelier than the sweetest aroma and more valuable than a priceless gift.
~
But Samuel replied,
“What is more pleasing to the LORD:
your burnt offerings and sacrifices
or your obedience to his voice? Listen!
Obedience is better than sacrifice, and
submission is better than offering the fat of rams.
1 Samuel 15:22
~
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
They crashed through the front door, propelled by another explosion so loud that Mae Ann’s ears rang. She pressed her face against Cade’s neck, her hammering heartbeat answering his. Never had she heard such a storm.
Her skin tingled and a metallic taste settled on her tongue. He dropped into a chair, his arms still clutching her close, his head against hers.
“Are you all right?” His voice rumbled from his chest into her shivering body.
“I am now.” She touched her head. “I lost my hat.”
His hold eased some, and he stroked loose hair from her face. “I’ll look for it. Stay here.”
She caught his hand. “Where are you going?” Surely not out in the storm.
“I won’t be long, but I have to check on the barn, in case it was hit.”
Fear squeezed her voice into a whisper. “What if you’re hit?”
Her plea drew longing across his features, and again he fingered her hair back. “Stay here. Please—this time—do as I ask.”
How could she not?
The door slammed shut behind him and a blinding blue flashed through the windows. Oh, Lord, have mercy on him! Eyes squeezed tight, she groped toward the sill and chanced a quick peek to see Cade at the rail, his shirt soaked through already, only steps from the door. Rivulets streaked the yard, and hail splashed here and there. He pulled his hat down farther and raced to the barn. ~An Improper Proposal
Inspirational Western Romance – where the hero is heroic.
Connect with Davalynn via:
#lovingthecowboy
(c) 2026 Davalynn Spencer, all rights reserved.
#WesternRomance #ChristianFiction #FreeBook #HistoricalRomance
My husband and I have been in full-time ministry for 48 years and there are so many times that we have obeyed without understanding why, but God has always been faithful to us. We are in a season now where we know God has something more for us to do and we are praying for direction.