Every wise parent knows that you have to give your child the outcome of what will happen if they disobey, but we’ve all heard parents say things lamely in public like, “If you do that again you’re going to be in trouble!” By their careless attitude, we know nothing’s going to happen. The child knows nothing’s going to happen. And even the parent knows nothing’s going to happen – except that they might give another warning in a louder voice. However, when God gives a warning in His Word, we can bank on it – He will follow through with what He says; not because He is a mean God, but because He loves us and disciplines us as a Father disciplining His children.
A part of my daily devotions is to read the Proverb that corresponds to the day of the month. Since yesterday was the first day of September, I read Proverbs 1 and was reminded of a warning given at the end of the chapter. Verses 30 and 31 says, They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. When God wants to discipline us, He lets us have our own way.
Some might think, “What’s wrong with that? That would be great to get my own way!” God let the Israelites have their own way, remember? They complained about the manna He sent them because they wanted meat. So God gave them what they wanted and sent them quail. It made them sick while it was being chewed between their teeth. Later, Israel wanted a king, though that wasn’t what God wanted for them. He warned them what it would be like, but they wouldn’t listen, so God gave them Saul who was exactly as God said he would be and the people suffered as a result. Jonah got what he wanted as did Judas, and we all know the awful results. They got their way that destroyed them (or almost) instead of God’s way that would have been full of blessing.
Okay, so what does that have to do with you and me? How often I want my own way instead of God’s! How about you? Here are a few instances in which we’re tempted to go our our direction instead of the Lord’s:
- If we don’t like a decision our husband’s made or something he is doing, we are tempted to jump ahead of him, take charge and not submit.
- If we need something now and don’t have the money, we’re tempted to put it on a credit card instead of waiting on God to provide it in His way and time.
- If we’re praying for a person that needs to change, we may be tempted to play the role of the Holy Spirit instead of letting God deal with them.
- We may try cover our sin when we know we’re guilty instead of confessing and making it right with God.
The list is endless because our sinful hearts lean that way, but oh, the wonder of letting God have His way instead! He does things in such a marvelous way. He does things exceeding, abundantly, above all we could ask or think! Eph. 3:20 Why would we want our own measly little way instead of that? Oh, may we each seek His way today and see the wonder of an omnipotent God working in our lives!
Let Him Have His Way with Thee
Would you have Him make you free, and follow at His call?
Would you know the peace that comes by giving all?
Would you have Him save you, so that you can never fall?
Let Him have His way with thee.
Refrain:
His pow’r can make you what you ought to be;
His blood can cleanse your heart and make you free;
His love can fill your soul, and you will see’
Twas best for Him to have His way with thee.
Would you in His kingdom find a place of constant rest?
Would you prove Him true in providential test?
Would you in His service labor always at your best?
Let Him have His way with thee.
—Cyrus S. Nusbaum, 1898
With love,
RefreshHer 