“The Israelites are stubborn, like a stubborn heifer. How then can the Lord pasture them like lambs in a meadow?” Hosea 4:16
Sometimes, I feel like I can’t get out of the way of my own stubbornness. It feels natural that as positions rise against my own, my heels dig in and my legs become like pillars: unmovable. It gets to the point I begin to respond to undesirable requests like a petulant child, “You can’t make me.” I see how damaging this can be, from watching relationships fall apart to governments shutting down, all due to inflexibility, but I remain rigid. It’s as if life is a competition of will, and if I move first, I lose.
This mindset affects my relationship with God and I find myself in these power struggles with Him, which lead to rebellion, as I can’t bring myself to do as He’s asked of me. Still, even then, there is grace. The verse in Hosea gives God’s very clear desire for us: to put us in good places so that we can be satisfied. He’s asking us to partner with Him, and believe we have the same goal in mind. Today we open our stubborn will to flexibility and partnership with God.
Reflection
What areas of life do you experience power struggles with God in?
How do you feel He’s wanting to partner with you in getting what you want?
Prayer
Lord, I have long used stubbornness as an excuse to be disagreeable, unreasonably willful and insubordinate. I admit my fear of what will be taken from me or how I will be taken advantage of if I am flexible. I give you that fear, trusting we both have abundant life for me in mind. Forgive me for holding my position as better to what you can offer. I say yes to your invitation to partnership and thank you for honoring me with such a request. Amen
