Today's post comes from Renee at Encouragement of FaithYes, I must admit that at times I can be stubborn, hard headed and reluctant to what some have to say or do. Not only is it me, but I am married to one that is the same. I also joke that I gave birth to one too. I used to wonder where she got all her stubbornness from until I looked in the mirror and at her father. I never use to be that inflexible in my life, but for some reason it has taken an edge for every year I get older. I know you've heard the saying the older we get the more set in our ways we are. But I have come to terms that God also installs a meter of awareness in us when it comes to knowledge of right and wrong. Walking in His words have open me up to areas I would have before bended in order to fit in, instead of standing for what is right in His words.
“Do not conform to the
pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve
what God’s will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 (NIV)
As for my daughter, I have taken the good advice of Dr.
James Dobson from Focus on the Family. “Pray for your child each day that God will
break the will, but not the spirit.” (From his book “The New Strong-Willed Child”
copyright March 2007). That is good
advice for all, I think Jesus wants us to all have good sense, but not stubborn
sense. But sometimes its our
stubbornness that helps to guide us in God’s will not of our own. I know on many occasions I felt the Holy
Spirit at that moment telling me to hold ground and not give in. Which put some people on the alert that I am
being stubborn in their eyes. When I am
passionate of what God wants of me it comes across as stubbornness. For me it’s the censors that set off in that
moment and if it’s not in God’s plans for me I have to go with the flow of the
direction He wants. It’s hard for me to
express my beliefs without looking like the person in the wrong at times. I feel I must be obedient of what
He asks of
me.
“According to the
foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, that
you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace
be yours in fullest measure.”
I look at it this way. I must do what’s right for me and my
family because in the end I will have to answer to Him and Him alone. If my stubborn heart is filled with nothing
but His goodness I have nothing to change.
Except for the things that we all know is not right like getting your
way every time when it comes to the TV, radio station, who is going to clean the
house, feed the pet or daily task, I think you get the picture. Those are things we must come to a middle ground
with our spouse, children, family, friends and co-workers. The next time you get into a conversation and
stubbornness sets in think is it God’s will or mine that I need to apply to
this situation? You will know the
difference.
Let’s Pray
Jesus,
Give me a working heart filled with your knowledge to help
me conquer those areas that need fixing when it comes to being stubborn. Please show those that when I am passionate
for you it is not of my will but yours.
Help those around me to see the difference between the two.
In Jesus name, Amen
Thank you for taking the time to join me today on my guest
post. May God bless your heart and day
with happiness and joy blessings, RC
If stubborness was an Olympic sport, i'd be a Gold Medal winner:-). I agree with age i am more aware. Loved the quote from Dr. Dobson. I think that is what God did for me.
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