Anyway, a while back Jen had posted on her blog, Life in the Retired Lane, that she had dismantled a workbench in the garage. Her husband had passed away and she was working on downsizing so she could move. What got my attention was “one stubborn screw.” She tried several times and methods to get it out; drill, screwdriver, allen key, pliers, and finally she was successful. That one screw was a hindrance to the final outcome. As I was reading her blog, the Lord placed on my heart, “How many times have I tried to move you, but you were stubbornly planted?” In Deut 10:16 we read “Therefore, cleanse your sinful hearts and stop your stubbornness. “(TLB) Emphasis on “stop” is mine. I immediately started some soul searching to think of times I felt God trying to move me, whether spiritually or physically, but I resisted. I joke a lot of times about being stiffnecked, but it really is a serious character flaw and a sin. I thought of the time when the minister talked about mending relationships and being the first to make a move. There are always times I need to apologize, but I don’t. Stiffnecked! What about when I see someone having car trouble and feel the urge to help, but just drive on by because I’m in a hurry. Another example is when the perfect opportunity presents itself to spread the Gospel, but I remain silent. Or when a new job opportunity came available but I chose to remain where I was. How about the time I was asked to serve in some manner, but I made up an excuse why I couldn’t. What about when I was asked to sing in the choir, but didn’t have time. Maybe someone calls needing to talk but it doesn’t fit my plan, so either I don’t answer or cut the call short. After all, isn’t that why we are here, to fulfill God’s plan. Unfortunately I forget that sometimes and get off on my own agenda. My sister loves to say, “You want to make God laugh, make plans for tomorrow.” She’s right! We are supposed to be yielding to His ways, not Him yielding to ours. Isa 44:21 says “I have made you, you are my servant;” (NIV) But when we are stubborn in our yielding then how can we be His servant. So let’s get out the oil can, and loosen those stubborn “screws” so we can be His faithful servants and not just stiffnecked believers.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Stubborness
The thought for today’s blog actually came from a post on another blog I frequent. I feel as if I know the author well, but we have never met as she lives in Australia and I live in Texas. We have corresponded via our blog comments and emails, but never met face to face. That’s one thing I love about blogging, all the new friends I have made across the world.
Anyway, a while back Jen had posted on her blog, Life in the Retired Lane, that she had dismantled a workbench in the garage. Her husband had passed away and she was working on downsizing so she could move. What got my attention was “one stubborn screw.” She tried several times and methods to get it out; drill, screwdriver, allen key, pliers, and finally she was successful. That one screw was a hindrance to the final outcome. As I was reading her blog, the Lord placed on my heart, “How many times have I tried to move you, but you were stubbornly planted?” In Deut 10:16 we read “Therefore, cleanse your sinful hearts and stop your stubbornness. “(TLB) Emphasis on “stop” is mine. I immediately started some soul searching to think of times I felt God trying to move me, whether spiritually or physically, but I resisted. I joke a lot of times about being stiffnecked, but it really is a serious character flaw and a sin. I thought of the time when the minister talked about mending relationships and being the first to make a move. There are always times I need to apologize, but I don’t. Stiffnecked! What about when I see someone having car trouble and feel the urge to help, but just drive on by because I’m in a hurry. Another example is when the perfect opportunity presents itself to spread the Gospel, but I remain silent. Or when a new job opportunity came available but I chose to remain where I was. How about the time I was asked to serve in some manner, but I made up an excuse why I couldn’t. What about when I was asked to sing in the choir, but didn’t have time. Maybe someone calls needing to talk but it doesn’t fit my plan, so either I don’t answer or cut the call short. After all, isn’t that why we are here, to fulfill God’s plan. Unfortunately I forget that sometimes and get off on my own agenda. My sister loves to say, “You want to make God laugh, make plans for tomorrow.” She’s right! We are supposed to be yielding to His ways, not Him yielding to ours. Isa 44:21 says “I have made you, you are my servant;” (NIV) But when we are stubborn in our yielding then how can we be His servant. So let’s get out the oil can, and loosen those stubborn “screws” so we can be His faithful servants and not just stiffnecked believers.
Anyway, a while back Jen had posted on her blog, Life in the Retired Lane, that she had dismantled a workbench in the garage. Her husband had passed away and she was working on downsizing so she could move. What got my attention was “one stubborn screw.” She tried several times and methods to get it out; drill, screwdriver, allen key, pliers, and finally she was successful. That one screw was a hindrance to the final outcome. As I was reading her blog, the Lord placed on my heart, “How many times have I tried to move you, but you were stubbornly planted?” In Deut 10:16 we read “Therefore, cleanse your sinful hearts and stop your stubbornness. “(TLB) Emphasis on “stop” is mine. I immediately started some soul searching to think of times I felt God trying to move me, whether spiritually or physically, but I resisted. I joke a lot of times about being stiffnecked, but it really is a serious character flaw and a sin. I thought of the time when the minister talked about mending relationships and being the first to make a move. There are always times I need to apologize, but I don’t. Stiffnecked! What about when I see someone having car trouble and feel the urge to help, but just drive on by because I’m in a hurry. Another example is when the perfect opportunity presents itself to spread the Gospel, but I remain silent. Or when a new job opportunity came available but I chose to remain where I was. How about the time I was asked to serve in some manner, but I made up an excuse why I couldn’t. What about when I was asked to sing in the choir, but didn’t have time. Maybe someone calls needing to talk but it doesn’t fit my plan, so either I don’t answer or cut the call short. After all, isn’t that why we are here, to fulfill God’s plan. Unfortunately I forget that sometimes and get off on my own agenda. My sister loves to say, “You want to make God laugh, make plans for tomorrow.” She’s right! We are supposed to be yielding to His ways, not Him yielding to ours. Isa 44:21 says “I have made you, you are my servant;” (NIV) But when we are stubborn in our yielding then how can we be His servant. So let’s get out the oil can, and loosen those stubborn “screws” so we can be His faithful servants and not just stiffnecked believers.
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6 comments:
I love you. God is amazingly speaking the wisdon of words through you for us. You should know that you are touching many people by this gift - INCLUDING me. Your illustrations are perfect!! Thank you for taking the time and doing this. I love it so much!
Thanks for your words of encouragement. It is always surprising the message God puts on my heart and what triggers it. I'm already working on the next post.
Great analogy! Are you sure we're not related? "Stiffnecked" is a little rampant at my house too! I have been known to be a stubborn screw!
What a wonderful message all from my stuck screw. You are truly blessed to be a blessing to all of us who read your blog. Thank you for what you have accomplished with my story. You have a very special listening ear and a creative mind. Keep listening to the Lord and sharing it with us.
Great post and a very good reminder of where our focus really should be.
Linda just wanted to say that the Andrew above is my youngest son. A wonderful caring young man. With a lovely wife.
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