22.06.25 | When Obedience Takes Courage | HEART ANCHOR | Youth Devotional

22.06.2025 | When Obedience Takes Courage | HEART ANCHOR
How genuine faith gives us the courage to swim against the current
Acts 5:29

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Bible Text

“We must obey God rather than men.”
Acts 5:29

Introduction

What do you do when everyone is against you? When you know what is right, but the majority sees it differently? When your friends, teachers, even your family ask something of you that doesn’t align with your faith?
In Acts 5:29, we find a sentence that sounds simple—but changes everything:

“We must obey God rather than men.”

Peter and the other apostles said this when they were thrown into prison for their faith. They were interrogated, intimidated, and warned to stop speaking about Jesus. But they remained firm. Why?

Let’s dive deeper.

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Devotional 

The apostles had just experienced an incredible time: healings, conversions, miracles.
But then came opposition—religious leaders felt threatened. The apostles were arrested, thrown into prison, and strictly warned not to preach in the name of Jesus again.

But instead of being afraid, they replied with these bold words:

“We must obey God rather than men.”

This wasn’t arrogant rebellion. It was deep obedience. A faith willing to accept the consequences.

Today, the pressure looks different:

You’re not imprisoned for being a Christian.
But you might be mocked for skipping sports practice on Sabbath.
Or lose friends when you stand by your values.
Maybe you’re excluded because you refuse to lie or gossip.

And then the question comes:
Who do I want to please—people or God?

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Story – “Sina’s Decision”

Sina was 17 and in the middle of her apprenticeship. Her workplace was large, modern—and highly performance-oriented. Everything revolved around success, speed, career. Sina was ambitious, kind—and a believer.

One day, her supervisor announced a “special project”: a weekend of workshops and team-building. Mandatory. The catch? It began Friday evening and ran through Sunday.
Sina knew: The Sabbath is God’s day. Rest. Worship. Time with Him. No mandatory programs.

She politely explained she couldn’t participate after Friday evening because of her faith.

The reaction? First confusion. Then pressure.
“This is the real world, Sina. You can’t expect everything to revolve around your beliefs. If you refuse, you can forget about a permanent position.”

She went home. Cried. Struggled. Prayed. And decided:

“I will obey God rather than people.”

On Monday, she informed her boss she would keep the Sabbath. Someone else took over the project. And yes—she wasn’t offered a job.

But three months later, she got a call. Another company had heard about her decision.
“We’re looking for people with backbone,” the woman on the phone said. “Not just skills—but values. Would you like to join us?”

Sina said yes. Her decision wasn’t easy.
But it was right.

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Thoughts

Courage doesn’t mean having no fear—but doing what’s right despite fear.
Obeying God isn’t always comfortable—but it’s always worth it.
Choosing God may close doors—but often opens better ones.
What would you do when your faith becomes inconvenient?

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What Does Acts 5:29 Mean to You?

It’s an invitation to clarity: Who truly has my loyalty?
It’s a call to courage: Put God first—not out of defiance, but out of love.
It’s a reminder: God stands with you when you stand with Him.

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Practical Steps for Today

Reflect: Are there situations where you’d rather please people than God?
Write down areas where you want to live your faith more clearly—even if it takes courage.
Talk to God about your fears. Ask Him for strength to walk the right path.
Find someone you trust—and share your decision with them.

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Prayer

Dear Father in heaven,
You know my heart. You know how often I feel uncertain when others pressure me.
Help me to clearly see Your will—and give me the courage to obey You, even when it’s hard.
Give me the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.
I don’t want to conform—I want to be faithful.
Thank You for walking with me—every day.
Amen.

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Thought to Take With You

Whoever learns to obey God in the small things today will stand strong in the big trials tomorrow.