Trading Hustle for Obedience: The Shift That Brought Me Back
This past week, I discovered that true peace comes from fully relying on God and simplifying my life. It may sound cliché or something you've heard before, but I truly understood its meaning for the first time. I realized that I had been striving, chasing, and grinding—whatever term you want to use—to change my situation. I had begun to look to the world as a reference for how to achieve the life I want. My goals were centered around providing for my family financially, escaping a constant state of survival, and ultimately gaining the freedom to travel, help others, and experience the world.
My life up to this point had become a stressful quest. I was trying multiple things, working countless days and nights, and allowing money to drive my decision-making. I followed worldly strategies and hustle culture, emulating people I admired. I consumed countless success ideologies, but in the process, I lost my sense of self and, more importantly, the voice and guidance of God. My faith faded, and I relied too much on my own strength. I believed God was endorsing my path, but in reality, I had walked away from His plan.
The major shift came when I truly embraced the truth that
"obedience is better than sacrifice."
God doesn’t require burnout to bless us. He requires trust. This shift moved me from
survival-mode striving to a surrendered life aligned with purpose.
Here’s the practical formula I’ve shifted from and what I’m applying now:
God’s Formula for Success VS. World’s/Flesh-Driven Opposite
1. Know and trust God deeply | Trust yourself and figure it out alone
2. Walk in obedience to His direction | Do whatever works to get ahead
3. Surrender ambition to His plan | Build your own empire, your way
4. Pursue purpose, not pressure. | Chase trends and external success
5. Embrace delayed gratification. | Seek instant results and quick wins
6. Live with simplicity and clarity. | Fill life with noise and busyness
7. Remain faithful in every season | Quit when things get hard
8. Uphold godly character and integrity. | Compromise to win or fit in
9. Choose rest instead of burnout. | Hustle until exhaustion
10. Live by values, not external approval. | Crave fame and external approval
One turning point came this week during a conversation with my wife. She often drops spiritual gems, and this time was no different. Her words helped me realize I had become stubborn and disobedient to God's voice. That moment convicted me. I finally understood what it meant to listen, surrender, and trust. I was reminded that God had been trying to get my attention in gentle ways, and when I didn’t listen, He allowed me to experience the consequences of self-reliance.
Instead of chasing "peace" through productivity, I'm now learning to build peace through God-ordained rhythms of rest, reflection, and presence. True rest is not passive—it’s spiritual. I honor the Sabbath. I shut down to recharge. I give myself grace, and I tune out the noise that demands endless output.
Ask yourself: Whose formula are you following? If you’ve been striving, stressing, or self-directing your steps, take a pause today. Journal. Pray. Simplify. Obey. Redirect.
Spotlight or Quote
“Obedience is better than sacrifice.”
—1 Samuel 15:22
Let that sink in: God would rather have your surrender than your hustle.
Bonus Links or Tools
Journal Prompt: "Where in my life am I relying on my strength instead of God’s?"
Faith-Focused Closing Message
Believers, God isn’t asking you to be everything. He’s asking you to trust Him in everything. The peace you’re craving doesn’t come from progress—it comes from His presence. Obedience may feel slow, but it will never be in vain. Let go of the world’s formula. Let God lead.
If this message resonated with you and you're seeking more clarity, accountability, or support in living out your God-given purpose, I’d love to connect with you one-on-one. I offer coaching calls to help you navigate transitions, rediscover alignment, and grow in obedience and faith.
→ Schedule a session or reach out at:
📧 gabe@purebeliefstudio.com
🌐 www.purebeliefstudio.com
Let’s walk this journey together—obedient, intentional, and faithful.
Until next time, Gabe Jenkins
Founder, Pure Belief Studio