Mike Focht 3/6/2026
Every command of Christ should also be a hopeful petition. What do I mean by that? I mean that whenever I find a command in Scripture, I should also see beyond that command the heart of Christ to communicate Himself. God demands obedience. He will hold us responsible for all our actions and attitudes. His commands are not options.
But if our understanding of obedience only goes that far, we have not gone far enough. God commands, but He also delights to give what He commands. God knows that we are dust. He knows that our spirits are willing, but our flesh is weak. He knows we have no true life outside of His Holy Spirit. He knows we have no ability in and of ourselves to keep His commands. He knows that when He commands us to do something, anything, He will also have to provide what we need to keep that command.
Some are ignorant of God’s commands. Some are rebellious to His commands. Some twist and try to escape His commands. But others, sons and daughters of God, do not fear disobedience. What they fear is their own weakness. They want to obey. They have no desire to make excuses or escape the demands of a holy God. They agree with everything God commands, but fear, because they know the strength to obey is not in them. They fear insufficiency.
Be encouraged if that is where you find yourself concerning God’s commands. Our King, the King of Kings, goes one step further than all human lords. Human lords give commands to their subjects, but nothing more. Our King promises to provide us with His very Spirit and write His commands on our hearts! Acts 5:32: And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.
God promises to give the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him. God gives us His commands, a heart to follow them, and then adds the power of His very Spirit to keep them. God does not command what only He can fulfill and then leave us to ourselves. The God who commands all husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the church will not leave us wallowing in weakness and selfishness. He who gave His life for the church will give His Spirit to those who wish to do the same.
Understanding God’s willingness to help those who sincerely desire to keep His commands will transform His commands into petitions. We should all pray as Augustine prayed: God, command what You will, but give what You command!