Seemed Right

"The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice." Proverbs 12: 15 NIV

Devotional for Feb. 1-7, 2010

Tears were flowing down his cheeks as he struggled to pull it loose. The more he struggled the tighter the knot became. He yanked. He grunted. He was frustrated. Yet, in spite of all of that, he would not ask for help. I sat in the kitchen watching our four year old try desperately to get his balloon string unattached to a toy that he was using as an anchor. Determined to do it on his own, he would not ask me for help.

So there I sat, watching and waiting. Seeing his tears, I thought surely he would take my help. Gently I asked, "Baby, do you want me to help you?" "No, I can do it myself" was his quick reply. Again, I just continued to sit and watch. Then it happened. The toy broke and the balloon was still attached. It was after realizing that he had broken the toy that he came to me saying, "Momma, will you please help me? I broke it. Can you fix it?" Standing there with the broken toy in his hand, he came to me with tears in his eyes and outstretched hands. He came to me with expectancy.

It just amazes me how one situation with a child can speak volumes to our relationship with Christ. There have been too many times in my life where I have continued to try to handle things on my own. I foolishly told myself that I can handle this or I have this under control. At no point did I go to God, because in my mind, I didn't need the help. Not only did I not see the need to go to God, I didn't see the point in even heeding the guidance of those God had placed in my life to counsel me. Unfortunately, it wasn't until something broke like my heart or a relationship that I realized that I needed God's help.

I can just imagine that God often sits and waits for us to finally get to the point in which we get past ourselves, or rather our pride, and come to Him for direction, for help, for strength. Just as I reached out to our four year old, God too reaches out to us. He provides for us His Word, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the counsel of our pastors, teachers, and others anointed/appointed to speak life into our lives. It is up to us to humbly submit ourselves to His direction when we seek Him in our personal devotion time, in prayer, and in His word. We don't have to wait until something is broken before we seek Him, but if that happens we serve a God that is always available to us. It is never too late to submit ourselves to His will if we are willing to come to Him with a repentant heart.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, I cannot thank you enough for being there with me every step of the way. Thank you for being there even when I didn't realize that I needed you in my life. Lord I pray that you continue to guide me in every way and in every area of my life. Lord I do not seek to solve any problem on my own, instead, I want you. I want your direction, your will, your peace. Guide me on this path so that I do not focus on what things may seem like but instead I continue to press toward the mark of the high calling. Thank you Lord that you have fashioned a plan and a purpose for me. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.


Suggested Weekly Reading
Monday Proverbs 12: 15
Tuesday James 4: 10
Wednesday 1 Peter 5: 6
Thursday Proverbs 13: 10
Friday Proverbs 16: 18
Saturday Ephesians 2: 9
Sunday Proverbs 11: 2

Application
Choose to place your situation in God's hand instead of your own hands.