Going the Other Way

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. GALATIANS 5:16 ESV 

Are you a parent? If you’re not, then maybe you remember doing this as a child: your mom or dad or someone older would tell you to do something, and you replied “No!” and did what you wanted instead. That’s what it’s like at my house with my three-year-old who is constantly not listening to me. When that happens, ahem, daily, it reminds me of how God must feel when He directs us and we respond, “No!” and then go off and do our own thing. Now, if you’re a parent (even if you’re a fur mama), you know how mad you get when your little one doesn’t listen to you. You think and know what’s best for them, and when they don’t listen, they can even get a time-out. Have your parents ever said, “Fine. Then I guess we won’t go to X Y Z since you didn’t listen”? 

Let’s go back to the callings we have. Think about how many treasures you’ll miss out on that God has stored for you when you say “No!” and go your own way. Think about all the places you won’t get to go. How many times have you felt stuck and asked, “God, where are You?” Well, friends, I’m here to tell you, God is always there, and He wants what’s best for you. He wants “far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!” (Ephesians 3:20 THE MESSAGE)—just as we want what’s best for our kids and your parents wanted what was best for you. Parents try to keep their kids from harm, to direct them on the right path, and to teach them how to be good people. When we go our own way, we often stray from what our parents want for us and, in many cases, what God wants for us. So before taking a big step in life, sit quietly before Him and ask Him if that is the way. If the answer is “wait,” don’t be discouraged. He is working it all out, and it’s going to be amazing. Just breathe. 

When you get those nudges in your soul to take a big step or go in a different direction, take a posture of obedience. What God is asking you to do may be way out of your comfort zone or perhaps you don’t feel equipped to do what He’s calling you to. Instead of having doubt, have trust in the One Most High. If He is calling you to do it and you don’t move as you should, you’ll miss all the wonderful things He has in store for you! 

Melissa Horvath 
You Got This 

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