Recently I offered advice to one of my children about caring for their toddler. However, the parent kindly responded, stating that their choice for their child was good. In other words, thanks, but no thanks - for the advice.
Three days later, I was saddened to find that there were mild consequences that might have been a result of the actions taken by the parent. I wondered, Lord why don't my children know that I love them and I wouldn't steer them in the wrong direction.
I hadn't expected an answer. But as gentle as a lamb, from deep within came the God-thought, "why don't you know that whatever I direct you to do is best because I love you?"
I was stunned, but understood. As foolish as it is, I have wrestled with the Lord. At times, I have not been fond of His decisions and directions. Ironically, sometimes I failed to remember that it's the principalities and powers of spiritual wickedness who are against me. That's who I should be wrestling with, not God! (Ephesians 6:10-18).
God is always for us! That's because God is love, and His love is perfect. (1John 4:16). Therefore, we need not fear, pout, or be anxious about anything (1 John 4:18, Philippians 4:6). The Message Bible puts it this way “So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? (Romans 8:31-32).
Trusting in the Lord's way, instead of our own brings life, peace, favor, wisdom, direction and even health. (Proverbs 3:1-8). We all desire every one of those blessings and in great quantity. Yet, we deceive ourselves when we presume that we can have abundant life by doing things our way. (John 10:10)
The next time you are faced with a God choice, that differs from yours, remind yourself of the following facts. God is Love, God is perfect and His plans for you are always good. God is for you, not against you. Ask the Lord to help you trust Him more, as He works out the details of your life for your good! (Romans 8:28)
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV). Father really does know best -therefore, His way is best. Not yours!