It’s so much easier to keep doing the same things we’ve always done than it is to make the changes we know we need to make. Maybe we consider the money and time we’ve invested, or maybe we’re overwhelmed with fear, guilt, worry, or even pride as we imagine the potential repercussions of making that change. “What if” scenarios cloud our vision and keep us pressing forward on that old path, even though we know we shouldn’t take another step in that direction.

There’s a story in 2 Chronicles 25:6–10 that teaches us about God’s faithfulness during change. King Amaziah was setting out to war against the Edomites. He had strengthened his own army by hiring 100,000 mercenaries from Israel and paying them 100 talents of silver for their military expertise.

But as he readied his troops, a man of God warned Amaziah that if he moved forward with the men from Israel, he would be defeated, because the Lord was not with Israel. Even if Amaziah’s army went and fought with all the courage they could muster, they would still be defeated.

Amaziah asked the man of God, “But what about all the money I paid for these Israelite troops?”

The man of God replied, “The Lord can give you much more than that.” And so, relying on that promise, Amaziah dismissed the mercenaries and sent them home.

For me, this would have been difficult. I mean, these were trained men of war who, humanly speaking, should have bettered Amaziah’s chances of winning. And then there’s that money! In today’s economy, 100 talents of silver would have been millions of dollars. He’d already invested the money; it couldn’t be recouped.

But the biggest hang-up for me would’ve been the reaction of the people. I’d have worried that the people I was sending home—men fired up and ready for battle— would be a bit perturbed with my decision. Not to mention that my advisors would think I’d lost my mind!

So how did Amaziah walk away from his commitment and investment and obey God without looking back? Easy. He trusted the promise, “The Lord can give you much more than that.”

That statement pretty much settled it for the king. Would it have settled it for you? I’ve already admitted it would have been a hard pill for me to swallow.

This passage, and really the entire Bible, teaches us that if we want victory, we must obey God, even when it’s hard. We have to be willing to let go, to cut loose, and to move forward in a different direction when the Lord instructs us to do so.

Over the past six years, God has directed me to change my course. He’s asked me to let go of things and people and plans. Things I had invested large amounts of time and money into. At times I resisted as I counted the cost and worried about the reactions and judgments of those around me. Surely, I thought, if I just keep pressing forward in faith with courageous perseverance, I’ll be victorious. But I’ve learned, sometimes the hard way, that true victory—like God’s blessing—comes only through obedience. (See Deuteronomy 28.)

I don’t know what God is leading you to do or what changes He’s asking you to make, but whatever it is, you can trust Him. Lay aside your concerns about all you’ve invested. God can give you more than that. Don’t worry about other people’s reactions or judgments. You can’t control that. The Bible says those mercenaries were furious and acted out their anger, but that didn’t affect Amaziah’s victory! It only affected theirs.

No matter the cost, remember: God’s got your back. Your only responsibility is obedience; God will take care of the rest. And He will more than redeem all that is lost. †