Yesterday as I was battling with my grandson to take a nap, I
thought “Why don’t you just do what I am asking you to do? It is for your own good and you will feel
better.” I begged, I pleaded, I
threatened and finally just held him tightly and rocked and sang until he gave
it up.
As I was resting beside him after I put him on the bed I
could just hear God speaking to me. “My
child, how many times have you fought against what I wanted you to do? How many times have I had to tell you over
and over what was the best thing, the thing for your own good? And yet, you still fought against Me until I
had to put you in a place where there was nothing you could do but submit.”
Wow! Talk about an
object lesson! And yes, I had to agree. There
have been more times than I want to admit when I KNEW what God wanted from
me. Times when I knew the reasons a
decision felt wrong was because the Holy Spirit was saying to me “Don’t do
that. Bad decision. Turn around.”
But just like that very strong-willed child, I was determined to have my
way. And have it I did.
Thankfully, we serve a God of forgiveness and love. After I fought Him so hard, He still welcomed
me back. Just like I stayed on the bed
and snuggled with that precious grandson, God holds me in His arms and listens
as I ask for forgiveness. And just like
that 2-year-old, I’m sure there will be times when I try to do things my way
again. Maybe this time I will remember
that I don’t have to “kick against the pricks” like Saul. Maybe I will just relax into His loving arms
and let Him lead me to what He knows is best for me.
Acts 9:5-6
