Stubborn as a mule
Stubborn stiff necked people
One definition of stubborn reads:
Stubborn-
adjective
- having or showing dogged determination not to change one's attitude or position on something, especially in spite of good arguments or reasons to do so:"a stubborn refusal to learn from experience" · "two stubborn young people intent on doing their own thing"
I read one definition that said "unyielding."
What a harsh word and an even more difficult characteristic to live with.
Remember that book from years ago "The Strong Willed Child" ? Spanking? Does not work. Time out? Does not work. Take away a toy? Does not work.
Others would say "hang in there! Your have a strong willed child."
Today I was both blessed and convicted at Chick Fil A.
It was over 92 degrees and very hot. My husband asked if I would run in and buy an unsweet tea.
I decided to get myself a beverage too.
The kind worker asked if I needed a drink carrier "No thank you! I'm fine." Was my response.
I left to use the restroom and this sweet Chick Fil A staff member brought my husband's sandwich and a drink carrier too.
She then apologized.
"I am so sorry. I just do not like to see my customers holding too many thing in their hand juggling."
I responded "It's ok! Thank you. Thank you for delivering the food too!"
The LORD convicted me.
Why did I tell her "No thank you." ?
Why did I refuse the help.
Stubborn.
When you are 4'11 you learn quickly that people look down at you. Quite literally (insert laugh! )
I try my best to carry bulky items, to reach the highest shelf with a mini-step-ladder, to manage things the best I can...but honestly, there are many times I NEED HELP.
All height constraints aside, I can be stubborn.
Is this something that only I struggle with?
I desire to seek God.
To know HIm.
To exalt Him and live a life of humility.
I am quick to ask for help for Isaac from his school staff or a doctor. However, over the last 5 years I have finally come to terms with this truth- "No thanks, I do not need the drink carrier." This stems from stubbornness and pride.
Oh LORD Jesus help me!
Now, you might be thinking.
Laura you are being ridiculous.
Hear me out.
What I am trying to communicate is that many times people offer help and we decline.
It is easier to say "no thanks" than to humble yourself and have someone enter your messy situation.
Isaac is more than a handful.
Isaac is disabled therefore we are a disabled family operating in a neurotypical world.
Isaac is disabled therefore we are a disabled family operating in a neurotypical world.
Any help that is offered with a genuine heart and can benefit Isaac, my husband, or me, we SHOULD say yes.
Of course...we need to at times "vet" or use discernment in a situation.
But that is not the main issue.
The main issue the LORD convicted me of is when I decline help I am showing off my heart- stubbornness and pride -and the "I got this!" attitude.
I should know better- forgive me LORD.
I am terrible in math.
I had a math tutor in college and still did not pass college algebra the first time.
This subject is too hard for me. I cannot do it WITHOUT the help of others.
When we read our Bibles, we admit we need to look at a commentary, ask a friend about a passage and of course lean 100% on the Holy Spirit for help.
Saying
"I insist"
I do not need help
is not noble, it is stubborn and prideful.
LORD help us!
Help us surrender to our limitations!
Look at Christ’s example:
“who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
Philippians 2:6-8 ESV
Also we see an example of pride & an encouragement to let go of pride
in 2 Chronicles 30.
“Do not be like your fathers and your brothers, who were faithless to the Lord God of their fathers, so that he made them a desolation, as you see. Do not now be stiff-necked as your fathers were, but yield yourselves to the Lord and come to his sanctuary, which he has consecrated forever, and serve the Lord your God, that his fierce anger may turn away from you.”
2 Chronicles 30:7-8 ESV
Lord help us insist on one thing- WE DO NEED HELP!
Help us accept the help of others and not to say “I got this” you are our strength. To reject help is prideful and we repent. Help us accept all the help and correction from you Holy Spirit and from others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment