There was a stretch of time when the only place I let the tears fall freely was the shower.
Every night, as I prepared for bed, the tears would come—quiet and heavy. I’d stand under the warm water, singing worship songs at a whisper. My heart ached, but somehow, I still clung to God. I didn’t have the words to pray, but I had a song. I didn’t have anyone who fully understood, but I had His peace to take one more step.
That’s where I learned the real meaning of strength and obedience during hard seasons.
Strength and Obedience During Hard Seasons: When No One Else Understands
There are times in our lives when God speaks clearly to us, but we don’t know how to explain it to anyone else.
I was receiving quiet direction from the Holy Spirit—nudges, warnings, confirmations, comfort—but my situation didn’t make sense from the outside. And because others couldn’t see what I saw, I felt deeply alone.
When I read Ezekiel 2 and 3, I think of those moments.
Ezekiel was a prophet called by God to speak to the Israelites during their exile. God told him from the beginning: the people won’t listen. They’re hard-hearted. But go anyway.
“But the people of Israel are not willing to listen to you because they are not willing to listen to me, for all the Israelites are hardened and obstinate. But I will make you as unyielding and hardened as they are. I will make your forehead like the hardest stone, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people.” ~ Ezekiel 3:7–9
God didn’t promise Ezekiel comfort. He promised strength.
Strength and Obedience Looks Like Quiet Faithfulness
During that difficult season of my life, following God meant saying little and trusting Him much.
I couldn’t defend myself against assumptions or convince others to understand. But I knew I had to follow the Lord’s leading step by step.
That’s what Ezekiel had to do, too. In Ezekiel 3:1–3, God told him to eat a scroll containing His words.
“Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.” So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth. ~ Ezekiel 3:3
This moment wasn’t just about hearing; it was about internalizing. Ezekiel had to take in God’s truth so deeply that it would shape his very being.
That’s what I had to do, too. I couldn’t broadcast what God was doing. I had to live it. Quietly. Faithfully. Obediently.
Obedience One Step at a Time
Obedience doesn’t always come with clarity or applause. Sometimes, it looks like putting one foot in front of the other amidst heartbreak.
During that season, I learned that strength and obedience during hard seasons isn’t about being bold and brave in front of everyone. Sometimes it’s about quiet courage in your own heart—choosing to believe what God has shown you, even when others can’t make sense of your obedience.
Ezekiel knew that kind of strength. He didn’t have a crowd cheering him on, but he had the presence of God. Scripture says:
Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me a loud rumbling sound as the glory of the Lord rose from the place where it was standing. ~ Ezekiel 3:12
Even in isolation, Ezekiel was not alone. The glory of God was near. And that’s still true today. Even when no one else understands your obedience, God is there, surrounding you, strengthening you, and walking with you.
Strength and Obedience During Hard Seasons Becomes Testimony
Looking back, I don’t speak from the pain. I speak from the healing.
Those years that nearly broke me? They became the roots of the encouragement I now carry for others. The truths God gave me then are the words He asks me to speak now.
“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.” ~ Ezekiel 3:17
What I ate then—what I wrestled through and lived out in faith—is now what I’m called to share. That’s how strength and obedience during hard seasons becomes a testimony.
This Season Will Become Your Memorial Stone
If you’re in a hard place right now—if God has shown you things no one else seems to understand—I want to remind you: you are not weak for feeling alone. You are being strengthened.
You are becoming a woman who hears God deeply. Who follows Him bravely. Who worships Him faithfully (even through the tears).
One day, you’ll look back on this season, and it won’t just be painful. It will be powerful. A memorial stone of His faithfulness, like the ones God’s people set up to remember where He had brought them through. A place where your strength was forged, not lost.
Let that bring you hope today.
For Reflection
- Where has God asked you to obey, even when no one else understands?
- What truth has He spoken to your heart that you’re learning to live before you share?
- How has He met you in quiet places when you’ve felt most alone?
- What might this hard season become in the story of your faith?
Want to go deeper with God in this season?
If this message resonates with you, I’ve created a 10-day companion journal that will guide you through Scripture, reflection prompts, and quiet moments with God—especially when you feel unseen or unsure. 👉Click here to purchase the journal and create space to process, listen, and draw strength from God who sees it all.
Have you ever used journaling to process a season of quiet obedience?
I’d love to know. . .what helps you feel grounded when you’re walking through something only God fully sees? Your comment below may encourage someone who needs it!
