Kicking Against the Goads

In my devotions I came across this statement:

“(God) allows trouble to pursue us, as though He were indifferent to its overwhelming pressure, so we may be brought to the end of ourselves.” L.B.Cowman, Streams in the Desert.

Although I do not like the troubles that may at times pursue me, I want to come to the end of myself, because it is there, at the end of myself, that I find HIM. At the end of myself I lose my focus on self, and in seeking a solution find that He IS the solution, my hope, my only hope. He is present, always, and forever. He is able – able to do above and beyond what I could ever imagine – much much more than I could ever do for, or by, myself.

In myself, without Him, I can do nothing – nothing to solve the troubles that pursue me – nothing to accomplish His purpose.

But with Him, I can do all things.

What a reminder not to kick “against the goads.” A goad was a pointed sharp stick that a farmer would use to move his oxen in the right direction – the way he wanted them to go. If an ox kicked against the goad, it only increased the pain. 

Sometimes that is us, kicking against the trouble – the annoyances, the pricks and prods – instead of using them to move us forward in the right direction with Him and towards Him.

We might ask ourselves:

1. In what ways am I resisting the prodding of the Lord?
2. How can I use this problem for God’s glory and my good?

Dear friends, when troubles come into our lives perhaps there is a lesson to learn, a change to make, a resolve to enforce, a courage to build up, a trust to strengthen. Usually in the midst of the problem we cannot see through to the other side, but when we get there perhaps we will understand. And if not, we can take comfort in the knowledge that He knows and He understands.

In the words of a hymn we used to sing:

“No one understands like Jesus;
He’s a Friend beyond compare.
Meet Him at the throne of mercy;
He is waiting for You there.

No one understands like Jesus
When the days are dark and grim.
No one is so near, so dear as Jesus;
Cast Your every care on Him.”
~ John W. Peterson, 1950

Blessings,
Ruth

Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Door #1 or Door #2?

Sometimes things just don’t go as planned. When that happens, we have a choice which door we will walk through.

Door #1: To respond in frustration, anger, disappointment, discouragement, irritation, and even bitterness.

OR

Door #2: To respond in hope and trust God, anticipating how He is working things out, assured that He knows and will accompany us through this situation. And maybe we can even enjoy the moment!

Often, we choose Door #1, which leads us to even more discouragement, frustration, and disappointment. We end up feeling unhappy with the circumstances, and maybe even angry with those we blame for the interruptions to our plans. We are not very pleasant to be around, and we definitely do not point others to the Savior we claim to love and follow.

Choosing Door #2 may be the harder, yet more rewarding choice. As we walk in faith and trust, believing that our Father knows the path we’re on, we can look ahead with expectation and joy despite the change in our plans. It is easier to communicate that feeling to those around us and maybe even cause them to look up to the One who guides our steps. Even though we may not understand it, God’s is the better plan.

The words of a hymn written by Edgar Page in 1876, come to mind:

“Simply trusting every day,

Trusting through a stormy way.

Even when my faith is small,

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting as the moments fly,

Trusting as the days go by,

Trusting Him, whate’er befall,

Trusting Jesus, that is all.”

So, which is it:  Door #1, or Door #2?

Blessings,

Ruth

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord…” Jeremiah 29:11(a).