The Beauty of Obedience: A Christmas Cactus Story

A Lesson in Obedience

I dedicate this post to my beautiful friend Chelsea Upchurch and to my incredible Sister-in-Christ Nichole Friel.

by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan

Two years ago, I learned a profound lesson in obedience through something as simple as a Christmas cactus. It wasn’t a life-altering moment—at least, not on the surface—but it became a reflection of what it means to listen to the Holy Spirit and trust His leading.

In 2022, I purchased ten small Christmas cacti from my neighbor’s nursery. My mama has always had such beautiful Christmas cactus blooms, and I decided it was time to bring some of that beauty into my own home. Out of the ten, I chose my favorite one—a lush, vibrant plant that I placed in a sunny spot in my living room. I found myself admiring it often, even talking to it, much like my grandmother used to do with her houseplants.

One morning, as I was rushing out the door to school, I felt the Holy Spirit nudge me. “Give Chelsea a Christmas cactus,” He said. I paused, thinking, Okay, I can do that. Maybe one of the others. But then He nudged a little more: Give her your favorite one. The one you love so much.

I’ll be honest—at first, I wasn’t thrilled with the idea. That cactus was mine, my favorite, and I had picked it out especially for myself. But as the nudge persisted, I knew what I had to do. Obedience to the Holy Spirit isn’t about logic or convenience; it’s about trust.

So, with a smile on my face and love in my heart, I picked up my most beautiful cactus and took it to school. I told Chelsea, “The Holy Spirit wants you to have this one because He loves you so much.” She was surprised and touched, and I knew in that moment that this small act of obedience was meaningful to her—and to God.

To this day, that cactus still amazes me. Year after year, it blooms bigger and brighter, thriving in ways that seem to defy explanation. Just today, Chelsea sent me a picture of the cactus, blooming a few weeks early and looking more stunning than ever.

Chelsea’s Beautiful Cactus

That cactus reminds me of how obedience brings growth—not just for the person receiving the blessing, but for the one giving it, too. It’s a living reminder that when we listen to God’s voice, we become part of something bigger than ourselves. My willingness to give away something I loved became a lesson in how much greater God’s plans are than mine.

What stands out most to me is that the Holy Spirit used me to communicate His deep love for Chelsea. He knew exactly what she needed at exactly the right moment. That cactus wasn’t just a plant—it was a vessel for His perfect timing and love, reminding Chelsea how cherished she is as His daughter. I’ve seen how He continues to work in her life, guiding her walk with Jesus, her teaching experiences, and her heart for missions. Through one small act of obedience, He revealed His boundless love, not just for Chelsea but also for me, as I learned to trust and follow His voice. What a wonderful and loving God we serve!

Scripture References

• “And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” – Matthew 10:42
• “So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” – 1 Corinthians 3:7
• “But Samuel replied: ‘Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.’” – 1 Samuel 15:22

Obedience, no matter how small, is an act of worship that invites the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us. Let’s embrace the beauty of listening to His voice, trusting that He will grow something extraordinary from our willingness to follow Him.

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What Amazes Me About Obedience

What amazes me about obedience is that it isn’t about us. It’s about aligning ourselves with God’s perfect plan, trusting that He knows what we don’t. The Holy Spirit sees the big picture, and when we listen, we become vessels for His work here on earth.

Practical Ways to Walk in Obedience

1. Stay in the Word
The Holy Spirit will never contradict God’s Word. Regular time in the Bible helps us recognize His voice and discern His leading.

2. Pray for Clarity
When you feel a nudge, ask the Lord for confirmation and clarity. He’s faithful to provide it.

3. Take the Step
Obedience often requires action. Even when it feels uncomfortable, trust that God equips you for every step He asks you to take.

4. Celebrate His Faithfulness
Reflect on the times you’ve obeyed and seen His hand at work. Let those moments build your faith for future acts of obedience.

Reflection

Have you felt the Holy Spirit urging you to take a step of faith? What’s holding you back? Surrendering to His guidance isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. God is patient, gracious, and loving, and He gently draws us closer to Him through obedience.

A Prayer for Obedience

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who guides and leads us in truth. Help me to quiet my heart so I can hear Your voice clearly. Give me the courage to obey even when it’s hard or inconvenient. Lord, I want to be a vessel for Your glory. Teach me to trust You fully, knowing that Your plans for me are good. May my obedience be a reflection of my love for You and my gratitude for all You’ve done.
In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

Post Script I still have a few Christmas cacti at the office in the windows at S&S FAB and Welding, LLC here in Cochran. To this day, mine have never bloomed. They’re alive, but they are still small, so much less lush and abundant than Chelsea’s cactus. Every time I see them, I’m reminded of how our spiritual growth can be stifled when we resist obedience to God’s prompting. Like these cacti, when we ignore the urgings of the Holy Spirit, we remain alive but lack the exceeding abundance that comes from living fully in His will. As John 10:10 reminds us, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Only through obedience can we flourish and grow into the fullness of God’s plan for our lives.

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