Why Does Obeying God Have to Hurt? (Judges 11)

Why does obeying God have to hurt? In this episode of Words From The Word, Pastor Roderick Webster continues the series The Commitment of Faith and shows that true obedience often brings pain, discomfort, and sacrifice—especially when keeping your commitment costs you something personal.Using Judges 11:34–35 (KJV), we see Jephthah return home victorious, yet devastated—because his vow now touches what he loves most. Pastor Webster reminds us that commitment always requires something: time, possessions, service, and sometimes surrender that changes our lifestyle and pulls us out of our comfort zone.Jesus also warns us not to put anyone before Him (Matthew 10:37–38, KJV) and God gives this promise: “them that honour me I will honour” (1 Samuel 2:30, KJV). If you’ve been holding onto something “good” and missing God’s “best,” this devotion is a loving call to obey, trust, and follow through.🎧 Share with someone who needs strength to obey today.Series: The Commitment of FaithHost: Pastor Roderick WebsterScripture (KJV): Judges 11:34–35; Matthew 10:37–38; 1 Samuel 2:3000:00 — Greeting + consecration hymn00:37 — Are you still committed to the King?01:39 — Jephthah’s vow brings pain (Judges 11)02:43 — Commitment costs: time, possessions, service03:55 — What is God asking you to surrender?04:32 — The daughter meets him—only child05:34 — Love God first (Matthew 10:37–38)06:34 — God honors those who honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30)07:33 — Will you release “good” for God’s “best”?08:42 — Christ’s costly commitment at the cross09:14 — You can’t serve God and mammon09:48 — Closing prayer: strength to obey10:12 — Final reminder: share this devotion