I DON’T WANT TO GO
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5, ESV
Theme: Sometimes we run, not because we don’t know God’s direction but because we don’t like it. In those times, we need to learn to trust Him.
PROCRASTINATION
Many of us deal with procrastination. We know what the parent/boss/teacher/coach wants us to do. We have the assignment, the workout routine, or the piano music we are to practice. We just cannot face it. At work, we complete every job that’s easy ... and keep pushing the one we dread to the bottom of the pile. At home, we mow the yard and fold the laundry; anything rather than start on the taxes!
This tendency started long ago: the essay we wrote at the last minute or the all-night cram session because we refused to keep up in class. It’s harder to pull it off when it’s something like rehab. Long ago, I tore my hamstring badly. As you can imagine, it’s hard to convince the therapist you’ve been doing your exercises when you are not one lick better than the last time you showed up. It’s hard to do the right thing, even when you are certain of what it is. In fact, it’s hard, even when you know it’s good for you!
AVOIDANCE
Maybe you have or know a stubborn child; I have seen my relationship to God reflected as if in a one-act play. It convicts me. There is obviously a “heard” request, then some type of verbal refusal or faked “ignorance” or deafness. When confronted, there is a pouty look or a jerking away of the shoulder... a “don’t touch me” attitude. This is so much like me! When I have been ignoring what God has asked, and He again gently points this out to me, there is this reflex to pull back, to shrug off His overtures, and to focus on myself and what I want. There is a tendency to withdraw so that He will quit prodding me!
FEAR, SACRIFICE, AND PRIDE
Sometimes, the things that God is calling us to do or to give up are scary. Sometimes, they will require sacrifice, and boy, do we hate any type of inconvenience! Often, I find I am just unhappy and a bit sullen that I was wrong. The plans I made, the thoughts I had, or the actions I took were not correct. I get cranky when the Spirit points these out to me.
Sometimes, I “just” want more details. Of my earthly bosses, I could demand an explanation or reason for their request. Having it “make sense” to me also makes it a lot more palatable work. I always want to know why you are asking me to “dig this ditch!” Even that is a bit egotistical: it’s nice to know why, but I was not the leader.
TRUST IN THE LORD
In every situation, God has called us to trust in His wisdom, His plan, and His love for us. I don’t have to understand. I don’t have to like it. If I know what I am to do, I need to obey--swiftly and without question. Instead of waiting for the details of why I am being asked to do whatever God is asking of me, I can just do it. I can trust in His love and justice. I know His plan is always the right thing to do.
Make It Personal: Raised in a military family, I knew an immediate “Yes, ma’am” or “Yes, sir” was expected. Then action was required. No delay tactics or procrastination were allowed. As I gained independence and adulthood, I rebelled and did things in my own sweet time. How I wish I had remained disciplined to hear what my Heavenly Father was asking of me and responding immediately!
It’s not too late to change! Put aside doubt, laziness, lethargy, or unwillingness. Have an eager spirit to trust God’s plan and jump into action! What is He asking of you today?
Pray: Lord, I want to be able to trust You with my whole heart, even when I don’t understand. You have the big picture. You have the words of Life. Obedience to Your will and plan are the way to an abundant life, filled with Your Presence. In Your Name I pray. Amen.
Read: Exodus 19:4-6; Deuteronomy 9:8-28; 2 Corinthians 10:5
Weekly Memory Verse: “But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.” Jonah 1:3a, ESV