God is Far More Stubborn Than You Are

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30:21

This prophecy of Isaiah begins with “Woe to the obstinate children…” (Isaiah 30:1). Have you experienced an obstinate child? Have you been one? This is a child that refuses to listen and stubbornly refuses to change. This isn’t just in something that they say. Every fiber of their being speaks their unwillingness very loudly. They are stubborn and that’s just the way it is.

God’s children were obstinate at the time of Isaiah. They ignored God Almighty and chose gods that were easier to control, or so they thought. They worshipped gods that allowed for their bad behavior and selfishness. They honored gods who couldn’t speak, so they didn’t have to listen. But, God never gave up on them.

While we often see the prophets as the deliverers of Hell-fire and brimstone messages, after Isaiah points out their wrongs, the prophecy turns to “Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion” (Isaiah 30:18). If obstinate children are stubborn, they have certainly met their match with God. He is relentless in His love and pursuit of us, even when we are completely opposed to Him. Just like we wouldn’t reject our own obstinate children, God wants to reconcile. His heart toward us is never “I told you so.” God’s heart is always filled with grace and compassion.
Since our own way tends to lead us down the wrong paths, God offers to direct our lives. He doesn’t lead us in the your-life-must-be-boring-because-all-fun-is-sin approach. God wants to give us the desire of our hearts. If those desires aren’t so godly, then He will redirect them toward something that is even more fulfilling.

Where do you stand with God today? Are you ignoring Him? Are you obstinate? Are you just too busy to even think about Him? God doesn’t want to scold you. He wants to love you and guide you. Listen and He will speak.

To subscribe to this daily devotional by email or RSS feed or leave a comment: http://galatians419.blogspot.com.