My granddaughter, Bella, just celebrated her fourth birthday. She's had quite a stressful year with several changes of residence and separation from her parents for a couple of weeks while her mother had heart surgery. While still being a responsible grandmother and expecting good behavior from her, I also give her some grace because of all the emotions I know she is trying to process.
One day in the car, we were talking about how she needed to listen to her parents and her Papaw and me when we ask her or tell her to do something. Her response to my mini-lecture was, "I want to listen to myself"!
Well, of course, she does! The sin nature we all share tells us that we are in charge, which is something else she has asserted from time to time. We all want what we want. We think that our plans and desires for our lives should supersede everything else.
So much drama gets added to Bella's life because of those little battles of the will that she engages in with us. Likewise, so much stress is added to our lives when we struggle with our Father God.
Sometimes I have tried to talk to her about how much easier her life would be if she would just do what she is told to do or if she stopped doing something when we direct her to stop. I tell her how so many good and fun things could be added to her life if she would just simply listen. Then I realized that I was preaching to myself. How many more good things could God open in my life if I was truly obedient in all things?
I must really be a difficult student in this life, because the lessons I learn through Bella's young life are a curriculum that God really needs to review with me frequently. I'm so glad that He doesn't throw up His hands in despair, but continues to be a patient, loving Teacher.
Deuteronomy 28:1-2 puts it this way. "And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God."
