The Hard Way

For I knew how stubborn you were; your neck muscles were iron, your forehead was bronze. Isaiah 48:4 

  

  I have been a Christian for a long time. Born again when I was about thirteen years old. I have read God’s word for decades, and His Holy Spirit is part of my life, connecting me to God. 

  Yet, even now, after all these years, God still deals with my hard headed stubbornness. God has nudged me, guided me, and outright directed me by His Holy Spirit. Still, He sometimes lets me learn things the hard way. 

  Recently, after knocking my head against the wall over something foolish. I asked God: “Why didn’t you stop me, or warn me away from doing that?” But instantly I knew the answer. Because I’m stubborn and hard headed God sometimes lets me learn things the hard way so I remember it and don’t do it again. 

  The People of Israel in the Old Testament were continually stubborn and hard headed. They tried God’s patience over and over again. Yet He hoped they would learn their lesson and become wiser. 

  At times I have used my stubbornness in my favor. For instance, stubbornly refusing to do the wrong thing or act the wrong way. Using my hard headed stubbornness to drive my determination toward a new habit or practice that would be good for me. But too often, I have banged my head against the wall learning something through difficulty that would have been more easily accepted if I were not stubborn. 

  Don’t be like me, or like the Jewish people of the Old Testament. Be humble and teachable. Learn lessons easy, and be willing to quickly change direction when you are on the wrong path. 

  If you are stubborn and hard headed like me, you have my sympathy. Remember to use your “stubborn powers” for good and not evil. 

  Prayer: Dear Lord, forgive Your stubborn children and be patient with us. Thank You for bearing with us all these years and forgiving all of our foolishness. Amen.