Let’s Surrender to God’s Will for Us
As I walked into the garage, I
noticed one of those unusual giant beetles crawling along the baseboard. Since
I was about to leave and close the garage door, I decided for its own good that
I would try to guide the insect to safety and freedom. However when I got it
out on the driveway, it headed straight back into the garage. I tried again,
this time attempting to hurriedly pull my car out and close the door before the
beetle could return. Nevertheless, it moved faster than I did, squeezing back
into its desired destination just before the door could block its path. I
didn’t know bugs could be so stubborn. Later I would find the beetle caught in
a cobweb in the corner of the garage, struggling to survive. Once again I
offered assistance, freeing it and taking it farther out into the yard this
time. Its difficulties in the garage seemed to have taken its toll, possibly
injuring one of its legs, as it hobbled slowly through the grass away from the
house.
I will admit that I had no real affection
for that beetle. It was simply the fact that since I rarely spy one of those
larger, interesting-looking members of the species, I decided to try to spare
it some trouble, maybe even save its life. Nevertheless, it refused to take
advantage of my efforts on its behalf, as it was determined to go its own way.
Isn’t that much like us in relation to God? He
is more than mildly interested in us and our welfare. He loves us deeply. And
He is much wiser about us and what is best for us than I was concerning that
insect. He wants to help us. He provides guidance for us. He sees the pitfalls
and dangers in our pathways, making efforts to help us avoid them. He is
working for our good, if we would just listen to Him and follow His leading.
However, much like that bug, we tend to stubbornly insist on having our own
way, often to our detriment.
I don’t know that I understand all
that was involved in the unusual incident recorded in Genesis when Jacob
wrestled with God. However, it seems to have been a turning point for this man
who had been accustomed to using his cunning and wits throughout his life in
order to get his own way. From manipulating his brother into giving up his
birthright to wheeling and dealing with his father-in-law over his wages in
sheep, Jacob found ways to obtain what he wanted. Nevertheless, at this point
he seems to come to the place of surrendering to God’s will for him. He didn’t
give up his own will and plans easily. It was a struggle. And Jacob came away
from this encounter with a permanent limp in his step. It served as a constant
reminder to him that God was greater than he was, that He knew best, and that
Jacob could trust Him to direct his life.
Have we come to that realization in
our own lives? Are we stubbornly refusing to listen to God’s voice and submit
to His will because we are so determined to go the direction we want to go? If
so, we are only hurting ourselves. God knows what is best for us. And He truly
cares about us. He isn’t trying to spoil our fun – He is looking out for our
best interests, both in connection with this life and for eternity.
Let’s quit fighting against the One
who loves us most and who is most concerned about our welfare. Let’s stop frustrating
His efforts to help us. Let’s come to that place of surrendering completely to
Him and to His will for us.
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