Kicking Against the Goads?

     This weekend I almost felt like a recalcitrant child, I was so frustrated with things not going the way I wanted them to go. Have you ever picked up a child that's kicking and screaming because they're not getting their way? That's a little like how I felt within. But thankfully, it only lasts for a few minutes or half an hour or so before the voice of the Lord gets through to me and I calm my spirit down and say, "Yes, Lord, have your way." Anybody else ever feel that way?

     The Holy Spirit has been gently saying to me, "It's hard for you to kick against the bricks." (I know the Scripture says Goads and the KJV says, "pricks." I'm just telling you what came to my spirit. The message is the same.) The New Living Translation Bible says it this way, "...It is useless for you to fight against my will." (Acts 26:14)

     Why do we pray if we won't listen or take the time to listen? Thankfully, my little frustrations don't last long because my heart's desire really is to please the Lord and allow him to have his own way in and through my life. Often times, it's just that, like Saul, I sometimes don't recognize that it's Him trying to get my attention and guide me in a different direction.

      Remember the story of Balaam and the donkey in Numbers 22? The donkey stopped in the road three times because he saw what Balaam didn't see, the Angel of the Lord with his sword drawn to kill Balaam for his disobedience. But Balaam kept beating the donkey to move forward. Finally, God allowed the donkey to speak to Balaam to get his attention and then God opened Balaam's eyes so he too could see the Angel of the Lord ahead of him with his sword drawn to kill him. Scripture says Balaam "bowed low and fell on his face." 

     Many times during the course of our day or in seasons of our lives we won't understand why things aren't going the way we think they should; why things don't appear to be happening according to our time-line. It may be that we are even doing the "work of the Lord" but maybe not in the "time of the Lord" or in the "will of the Lord." That's a good time to Stop, Step back and Pray. (My version of the fire drill, Stop, Drop and Roll.) God is protecting us or trying to redirect our steps.

     Over the last several months there have been a number of topsy-turvy or challenging occurrences in my life ranging from seemingly small and irritating to life changing events and decisions. But each time I stopped, stepped back and prayed, God gave me his perspective on the situation and I got peace and strength to see them through and make the right choices. He is an incredible God.

     So if you find yourself today "kicking against the goads," STOP, STEP BACK & PRAY so God can share with you His will or simply give you His peace and grace to ride it through, make the right choice or turn and go in another direction.

     He believes in you and has great things in store for your life. "'I know the plans I have for you,'" declares the Lord, ' plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" (Jer. 29:11)