God has always known all things about you. Before you were born He already knew the worst about you, and nothing that happens now can surprise or disillusion Him.
"O Lord, you have searched me and you know me." Psalm 139:1
I hate being told what to do. In fact, if you want me to do something, the best way to go about it is to tell me not to. (Come to think of it, my wife does this all the time.) My stubbornness knows no boundaries. Not only do I balk at the commands of people, but things too.
My truck's GPS hates me.
Seriously.
It quite often tells me I'm going the wrong way. Sometimes, after politely telling me to make a "U-turn when possible" it sternly tells me, "Make a U-turn. Now!"
Like being firm is going to make a difference with me. It just hardens my resolve.
The other day, while driving on I-49 it told me, "You're not driving on a road." Not sure if it was trying to trick me.
I laugh because every time it says, "Recalculating," I can almost hear it muttering under its breath or giving a heavy sigh in frustration.
But no matter how stubborn and hard-headed I can be, my GPS is as patient as they come. It's gotten me to many a parishioner's home out in the boondocks and through many busy downtown streets on hospital visitations.
In fact, you could almost say, I'd be lost without it.
Sometimes, I can't help but wonder if God thinks the same way about me as my GPS.
When I pass by the person in need, does God say, "Make a U-turn."
Or when a sin sidetracks me, does God mutter, "Merge now."
When I make a bad decision that takes me away from God's plan for my life, does God say, "Recalculating," To get me back on track.
The prophet Jeremiah tells us that God has plans for us. Plans for our well-being and a hope-filled future. And yet, we constantly interrupt God's plans. We make mistakes. We wallow in our sin and our stubborn, stiff-necked temperaments turn us into modern day Jonahs. "No!" we say with our hands on our hips. "I just won't do it, God!"
We just hate being told what to do.
But thankfully, God's patience far outweighs our stubbornness. And as we journey down this highway of life, having a little bit of hope that we will reach our destination is so much better than stopping and asking for directions.
Which is definitely another thing I will never do!
I'm never lost. I'm just exploring.
Let us pray.
Our Gracious God. How infinitely is your patience. You know the plans for our future and time and time again, we do things the wrong way. Give us today the wisdom of the Holy Spirit so that we can discern the way in life you would have us go. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
The blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ be upon you.
PASTOR TROY CONRAD IS MINISTER OF THE FARMINGTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH. EMAIL: [email protected]. THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHOR.
Religion on 03/01/2017