During the 21-days of intentional generosity in January, I felt led to bless a particular man — a security officer who had always been kind and helpful. He worked near my daughters’ school and often assisted me with parking during busy pickup times. His spot provided an easier exit, and he was consistently warm, polite, and very helpful.
One afternoon, as I was reviewing the list of people I wanted to be a blessing to, I sensed a strong nudge from God to include him. So I obeyed, I acted on what was laid on my heart to do, and he received it with deep gratitude.
Not long after, about two weeks later, I stopped seeing him. At first, I assumed he was on leave or had a schedule change. But months have passed now, and he hasn’t returned. Perhaps he was transferred or reassigned — I may never know. But that experience left me with two powerful lessons:
- Delayed obedience can mean a missed opportunity.
He had no idea I planned to give him anything, but God knew — and He nudged me at the right time. That moment was divinely appointed, and if I had procrastinated or second—guessed the instruction, I would have missed the opportunity entirely and the blessing attached to obedience. When God lays something on your heart, it’s rarely meant for later, it’s usually for now.
One thing I’ve come to understand about the voice of God and the nudging of the Holy Spirit is this:
Obedience must be QUICK and EXACT!
That means acting immediately and precisely as God has instructed — no editing, no delay. This is a lesson King Saul failed to learn. In 1 Samuel 15:3 NKJV, God’s instruction to him was clear:
“Now go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them. But kill both man and woman, infant and nursing child, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.” — 1 Samuel 15:3
But Saul had other plans — In verse 9, we read:
“But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were UNWILLING to utterly destroy them. But everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed.” — 1 Samuel 15:9
Saul rationalised God’s instruction and thought he knew better. He even tried to cover it with spiritual reasoning, claiming he intended to sacrifice the animals. But what about King Agag? Was he going to be sacrificed too?
That single act of disobedience cost Saul the kingdom. Worse, it became a snare for Israel. Don’t try to rationalise divine instruction — simply obey; quickly and exactly.
2. Generosity doesn’t flow from surplus; it flows from obedience.
We often assume that generosity is reserved for those who have more than enough, but Scripture shows otherwise. The rich young ruler in Mark 10:21–22 walked away sorrowful when asked to give up his wealth, while the widow in Mark 12:41–44 gave all she had, two small coins, and was commended by Jesus.
“[21] Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” [22] But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” — Mark 10:21–22 NKJV
“[41] Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. [42] Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. [43] So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; [44] for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” — Mark 12:41–44 NKJV
True generosity isn’t about how much you give, it’s about obedience to the prompting to give, and sometimes, what we’re called to give isn’t even money. Like Peter and John at the Beautiful Gate in Acts 3, we may not have silver or gold, but we carry power in our words, faith in our hearts, and authority in the name of Jesus. That alone is enough to transform lives.
And we must remember, as Paul reminded the early church:
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” — Acts 20:35
So, whether it’s a gift, a prayer, a call, a visit, a message, a conversation, or a kind gesture — show up in obedience — do it quickly and exactly as God leads. Don’t postpone. Don’t rationalize. Don’t wait for a “better” time.
The blessing is not just in the act, but in the timing — and sometimes, the window is brief. When the Spirit nudges you, respond. Someone’s breakthrough may be tied to your obedience.
I’ll leave you with two questions to reflect on:
- How often do you sense God giving you an instruction?
- When was the last time you responded in obedience, quickly and exactly?
Your answer to these questions may just be the key to someone’s miracle… and even your own.
Shalom!
Abisola Oguntunde
IG: @abisolaoguntunde