A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV)
Have you ever been witness to a young child not getting his way? The child may be told "no", something might be taken away, or possibly something is not given to the child and as a result, the child cries. Embarrassingly enough (especially if it's
your child!), screams may turn into tantrums and the demanding child becomes
extremely unruly. Now, as the adult in this situation, it might just be easier to just give the child his heart's desire (especially if it's in front of many over seeing and judgmental adult eyes), but suppose the young child wanted to touch the "pretty" candle light. You wouldn't allow the child to that. He would get burned. "Hot" you would say. But what if the tears continued and the screams persisted? You may decide the only way the child will learn is to experience what you're trying to prevent, so you decide you will let the child
briefly touch the fire so he will truly understand what "hot" feels like. It is only then that the child truly understands what you were trying to explain all along, and while the touch of the flame may have been brief, it still hurts. You nurse the "owee" with kisses and gentle, loving words explaining you were trying to prevent any hurt from the beginning, for you knew what was best all along.
How often are
you like that child, begging to have your own way until finally your heavenly Father says, "Alright... this is going to hurt but you will have a better understanding of what it feels like because of it"? How many times have you pouted until you got what you
thought you wanted only to find out that it wasn't what you'd planned? How often do you then cry out to God to nurse your "owees" from broken pride and all the painful experiences He tried to spare you from, but allowed you to go through, all because of your own stubbornness? More than your fair share? Too many to count? The Lord is Mighty. He is Everything and All, but He is also your Father and you are His child. He will direct you. Let your heart's plans allow you to do so.
Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I admit I have wanted my way too many times to count. I have made plans of my own without Your leading. I have cried and pouted until You allowed me to get hurt so I would learn and be reminded Your way is the only way. Today I open my heart for You to direct my steps. Lord; lead me in the way I should go. I come to You for advice and Your wisdom. I come to You for Your love as my heavenly Father. Thank You for loving me, your child, so much that You are willing to teach me so I will learn and grow into the person you have planned me to be.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
© 2004 Amy Verlennich
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