It was a simple task take down the container of protein powder and don’t knock the lemon juice off the shelf in the process. Pull the powder forward. Push the glass bottle of lemon juice back. Go slow; it will all be fine. This is what I kept telling myself as I negotiated the powder off the shelf. I could have simply put the juice on the floor, and taken down the protein powder. I thought I could make this work. My plan was perfect. Why should I take the simple option? Stubborn is insisting on doing it my way even when the option is simpler.
Suddenly, something shifted unexpectedly. The bottle tipped forward, fell off the shelf, and hit me squarely in the eye. The swelling, bruising and pain were instantaneous. Some ice, ibuprofen, and makeup and I was off to work. The next morning my head, neck, face even my jaw were throbbing. Ibuprofen was not helping. It was time to enlist a chiropractor all because I was too stubborn to set the juice bottle on the floor.
I can be the same way in matters of faith. I have turned a deaf ear to God at times. And, at times it has left me with a black eye.
God keeps renewing the promise and setting the date as today, just as he did in David’s psalm, centuries later than the original invitation: Today, please listen, don’t turn a deaf ear . . 8-11 And so this is still a live promise. It wasn’t canceled at the time of Joshua; otherwise, God wouldn’t keep renewing the appointment for “today.” The promise of “arrival” and “rest” is still there for God’s people. (Hebrews 4: 7-11 MSG).
God has been persistent and patient with me. Thankfully, His promises are for today and everyday. On the days when I am stubborn, God gently reminds me that His way really is less painful even if it seems hard at first. When He encourages me to have a difficult conversation, I can exemplify what stubborn is. When the difficult conversation ends in a restored relationship, I am grateful. God’s way always ends up being the easier path. I pray this is my last black eye.
How has God been persistent and patient with you? Do you often turn a deaf ear? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.