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.”

RUN

Run into His arms

When trouble comes,

When feeling anxious or threatened with harm,

When sad, or lonely, or afraid.

There is no other place of comfort,

No other calm in the storm,

No other shelter,

No other place of rest,

But in Him, and Him alone.

He brings peace to an anxious heart,

Comfort to a grieving soul,

Strength to a weary body.

He soothes the questioning mind.

In Him alone is found the strength to carry on when it seems too hard.

His presence guides us along unfamiliar and uncomfortable paths.

He leads us where He’s already been – to places known to Him,

Places where we find exactly what we need –

Refreshment, Rest, Reassurance, Revival, Peace, Hope, and Purpose.

The song, Forever Reign, written by Reuben Morgan and Jason Ingram, was released in June 2010. The chorus says, “Oh, I’m running to Your arms, I’m running to Your arms, The riches of Your love will always be enough. Nothing compares to Your embrace. Light of the world forever reign.”  

So, make the choice.

As long as you’re running anyway … Run to Him! God, the Heavenly Father, loves you.

Blessings,

Ruth

Proverbs 18:10, Nahum 1:7, Psalm 145:13, Psalm 146:10, 1 Timothy 6:13-16