Obey God: Timeless Impact

Have you ever wondered if the things you do for God are making any real difference? I know the feeling. Off and on for years, I recorded and uploaded teaching videos to my YouTube channel—sometimes with excitement and sometimes with uncertainty about who, if anyone, would watch. I haven’t posted in a while, but recently, something unexpected happened that reminded me how God uses our obedience in ways we may never see coming.

A few weeks ago, an old friend reached out with a request asking if I had any "YouTube" videos in which I was teaching and shared their reasoning for asking, "I just need to hear your teaching voice". I happily agreed, shared links to several specific videos and eventually made the decision to just send them the link to my YouTube channel ((221) Kathryn McDowell-Baker - YouTube) and let them browse and make their own decision. Later, after browsing through my videos, my friend messaged me again. Their words humbled me as they expressed concerning the video, “This blessed my soul.” But what really struck me was when I noticed that the video which impacted them most was one I had created three years prior.

Think about that for a moment: Something I’d poured my heart into, not knowing if it would reach anyone, ended up being a source of blessing to someone years later. It was a powerful reminder that what we do in obedience to God has lasting effects—even when it may seem unnoticed or fruitless in the moment.

Obedience Over Outcome

It can be easy to get discouraged when we don’t see immediate results. We might judge our efforts by views, likes, shares, or comments—by numbers and visible impact. But God doesn’t call us to focus on results. He calls us to obey.

Scripture reminds us of this over and over. One passage that speaks to this truth is Galatians 6:9 (NIV):

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

God promises that our faithful actions, done in His name and for His glory, are never wasted. Sometimes, the seeds we plant today won’t bear fruit until much later. Sometimes, the audience God has intended for our message hasn’t even arrived yet. But He knows exactly when and how that seed will become a blessing.

God Is Always Ahead

This experience reminded me of something beautiful about the character of God: He is always ahead of the game—always working behind the scenes, orchestrating moments and encounters for our good and His glory. When God inspired me to create those videos years ago, He already knew that, three years later, my friend would need to hear that specific message. What seemed insignificant or forgotten to me was right on time for someone else.

Isaiah 46:10 (NIV) captures this truth:

“I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’”

God’s plans reach far beyond our understanding. Our responsibility is simply to trust and obey. When He encourages, inspires, or equips you to do something—even if it feels small or unnoticed—know that He sees it and has a purpose for it.

OBEY GOD: The Ultimate Calling

Reflecting on all of this, I remembered the very last sermon my father ever preached before he passed away. Out of all the sermons he delivered and the countless messages he shared, the final one was titled “OBEY GOD.” How fitting that a lifetime of ministry would be summed up in just two words. After years of serving, teaching, and shepherding, it all boiled down to this: Obey God.

Today, I want to leave you with the same encouragement my father left with his congregation—and that I remind myself often:

OBEY GOD. Not because of recognition, applause, or numbers. Not because of who may or may not benefit. But simply because He is worthy, and His plans are always perfect. Our responsibility is not to figure out the outcome but to trust the One who holds the outcome in His hands.

1 Samuel 15:22 (NLT) says:

“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.”

Your step of obedience—no matter how small—matters to God. He can use it in ways you may never imagine, for people you may never meet, at times you could never predict. Trust Him with what you have. Offer your gifts, your words, your talents, your time. Let Him take care of the impact.

Be Encouraged

If God is prompting you to do something—start a project, offer a word of encouragement, share your story, or simply reach out to someone—do it. Don’t worry about the numbers, the recognition, or how it will be received. Focus on being obedient to His leading.

You may never know this side of heaven how many lives you touch by your obedience. But one day, you’ll see the harvest. Until then, keep planting seeds of faithfulness, and remember: OBEY GOD.

Coach

Kathryn