Do you know how Precept Ministries' whole Eurasian ministry came into being? Through a single prayer of Mia and Costel Oglice over a number of years — that God would connect them with someone who would help them reach their people in Romania with His Word. By the grace of God, that connection was made with me! That prayer was answered in a single “Yes, Lord!” Obedience — nothing more, but nothing less.

I remember when I was experiencing piercing pain in my eye. I donned my eye patch and spoke at a women's luncheon for Campus Crusade. When Mia Oglice saw the Precept material, she prayed, “Lord, tell that woman to give me one of her books.” When I heard that she was from Romania, I gave her a copy of every one of the books we had on the table. Romania had been on our heart. Little did either of us realize that subsequently God would use them to open all Eurasia to the inductive study of His Word, equipping tens of thousands to reach their people through intensive discipleship training using Precept materials.

The miracle of it all continually brings awe to my heart as I meet men and women willing to suffer in a variety of ways — oftentimes facing shame, rejection, imprisonment and death — out of obedience to the Great Commission to disciple all nations, teaching them to obey all things that He has commanded us. Oh the greatness of our God — how miraculous, how unfathomable are His ways!

Jesus' first miracle was turning water into wine. There was a need: the wine was gone and the celebration was not over. It was a simple request from His mother: “They have no wine.” The wine came through a single act of obedience, as men responded to Mary’s directive:

Jesus’ hour had not yet come, but the wine was given. Someone asked and others obeyed.

Let the Lord take your hand and walk you back in time. Let Him show you what has happened in your own life because of a prayer and an act of obedience.

You did not come to this place in your life alone. Somewhere along the way, someone prayed. Someone obeyed. Here you are now, reading this devotional. What is God saying?

He’s telling you to remember the significance of a single prayer — a single act of obedience. You may not see the outcome for a long time; in fact, you may not know it until you reach heaven.

But then — then Beloved — you will know fully how vital your life was to the work of the Kingdom of God. Then you’ll realize that your prayer and your obedience were crucial to a chain of events having eternal value (2 Cor. 4:17). It brings tears to my eyes and awe to my heart to think of the utter delight that will be yours, precious one, then, if not now, when you see how God uses your prayer… your obedience.

Now, Beloved, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” Whatever He lays on your heart, pray it! Know that it will not be in vain. Great shall be your reward in heaven” (Matt. 5:12).

-Kay

Kay Arthur has touched literally thousands of lives through her writing and teaching ministry. A well-known conference speaker and author of more than 100 books and Bible studies, she has a unique ability to reach people in an exciting, effective way — challenging them to change and equipping them to be used in the furtherance of the kingdom of God.