Willful, rebellious children are a challenge and disappointment to loving, nurturing, caring parents. I don’t know how many discouraged and frustrated parents of those kind of children have sighed deeply in my presence and uttered these words, “I guess they’ll just have to learn the hard way!”
I think God often feels that way… In fact, I am sure of it based upon the Biblical record. In fact, I read a chapter this morning in my Bible reading this morning in which God expresses those exact sentiments through His prophet Isaiah! Here are the Lord’s own words (from Isaiah 30)…
“Ah, stubborn children,” declares the Lord, “who carry out a plan, but not mine, and who make an alliance, but not of my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin; who set out…without asking for my direction… They are a rebellious people, lying children, children unwilling to hear the instruction of the Lord.” (vss. 1-2, 10)
And the fact is, their Heavenly Father stands ready to instruct, guide, help, and deliver those who will turn to Him! He tells them…
“For thus says the Lord God, the Holy On of Israel, ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.’ But you were unwilling! … Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore He exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a god of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him!” (vss. 15, 18)
Oh, I don’t want to be one a rebellious and self-willed, child of God, refusing my loving Heavenly Father’s direction, determined to go my own way! Instead, may I listen carefully to His direction, follow His leading, and experience His grace and blessing! May I avoid the pain of “learning the hard way!” If and when He disciplines me may I cling to His steadfast love and benevolent purposes for my life (see Hebrews 12:5-11)
Coffee With The Lord 