Learning the Hard Way
Today’s scripture selection: First Samuel 6-10
Key verse: First Samuel 8:7
“And the LORD told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.”
There came a time, after many turbulent years, led by many different leaders of varying skills, that the people of Israel wanted a king. At least, that’s what they thought they wanted.
And so began an even longer, equally turbulent period, because kings are only human – with all the strengths, and weaknesses, that come with being human.
In short, God gave them what they asked for, even though it wasn’t best for them.
Sometimes that happens in our lives too.
We are so sure of what we want – and what we think we need. So, like a loving parent that allows his or her child to learn through costly mistakes – God lets it happen.
It can be a painful way to learn. But, it’s usually very effective. And eventually, we come to our senses and ask God for help again.
As the Lord’s Prayer puts it: “not my will, but thine, be done.”
Some of the best lessons I have learned in life, I have learned through the mistakes I have made. Some of those mistakes have been very costly. The lessons I have learned that way have been invaluable. It’s just too bad I had to go through that painful process to learn what God had been trying to teach me all along.
Why not take some time today to reflect on your own life “lessons”?
Are there some you have learned the “hard” way? Are there some problems you might avoid by turning the reins back over to God? Be careful what you ask for – you might just get it.
God knows best – why not talk to Him about it instead?
Prayer: Lord, forgive my desire to sometimes choose the wrong way for myself. And show me a better way. AMEN.
