Obedience to God has always been the foundation to living a peaceful and successful life. We can go all the way back to Adam and Eve and see that following instructions is crucially important if we desire to be happy and live under the umbrella of His blessings. Of all the voices in our life, I am sure we can agree His voice is the most essential. When someone becomes a follower of Jesus, they learn how their life has been purchased and redeemed, which means they are technically no longer their own master. The life of independence, and making one’s own decisions, are now a thing of the past, because they have agreed to allow God to become their Lord and lead and guide them according to His plans and ideas. Truly, one of the most significant questions that everyone must answer within their spiritual journey is: When will I finally learn to trust Him and do exactly what He says? 

I remember back in the mid-80s, I was writing songs and recording albums about the Christian life. I traveled as a guitar playing evangelist, singing and speaking God’s word. One Friday afternoon, a pastor from Eastern Kentucky called and asked if I would host a service for a group of young people the following day. He said they would provide lunch, and they were hoping I could make it, so, hesitantly, I accepted. The reason for my reluctance was because that same day I had planned on working overtime, and I needed extra finances. 

I was troubled the rest of the evening, and as it became dark, I was seriously contemplating calling back and canceling because I was just not sure I had made the right decision. I stepped out into the back yard and looked into the night sky, waiting in the quiet night air, straining my ears to hear His still, small voice. I told the Lord I had planned to work to make the extra money, but I would willingly go to Prestonsburg if this was what He wanted. After a while, I felt a peace in my soul and sensed a calm reassurance that He wanted me to share His message and for me to simply trust Him. I came back in and told my wife we were going to obey — in faith.  

The next morning, my wife and I, along with our son Joshua, who was about 3 at the time, started on our way in a thunderstorm. It rained so hard we could hardly see. When we finally found the church, we discovered it was on top of a mountain, and yes, it was a winding and steep mud road. I was a little discouraged but we pressed on. I remember it being very humid, and while I was ministering, doors and windows were opened to let in some air. Sweat was pouring down my face, and while I was singing, a man with long hair and a beard came through the back door in a wheelchair and just stared at me. The service went great, and as I greeted people and got ready to eat a sandwich, this man rolled up to me and told me how much he enjoyed it. He handed me a folded piece of paper that looked like a check, so I just stuck it in my shirt pocket and continued the conversation. My son began pulling on my pants, saying he needed to use the bathroom, so I excused myself to take him. While waiting, I remembered the check and hoped it might be enough to cover the fuel. I opened it up and it was for $2,000, which was a lot of money 30 years ago, and the perfect amount to take care of all our needs that we had been so worried about. 

Dr. Holland lives in Central Kentucky with his wife Cheryl, where he is a Christian outreach minister and chaplain. Each week, look for his faith column, “LIVING ON PURPOSE” to find thought provoking messages of inspiration, hope and encouragement. To learn more visit: billyhollandministries.com