If you love me....

The day was busy for me, a lot to do with caring for children, home, animals and organizing "life".  The little boy being two or three years old was on the go, he had a big yard, tall trees, ducks, dogs, cats, chickens and toys to fill his day.  Still, he came to where I was doing the dishes and opened the cabinet under the sink.  He took out something that he couldn't have.

With dripping, wet hands anxious to get to work I stopped and asked him to put it back.  He looked up at me with his big beautiful eyes and said, "Why?" as he held on to what he wanted.  I gave a few sentences in explanation and stated again to put it back.  He replied again, "Why?".  More reasons were given.  He was not convinced.  He knew what he wanted and that is what he focused on.  "Why?" again.  Another try at helping him understand...but "Why?", he said yet AGAIN!  With no patience left at all I said in exasperation, "If you love me you will do what I say!"  Then like a jolt I was given the thought that this is exactly what God is saying to me!

God tells us what to do in His word and by His Spirit.  He tells us what is best for us.  He answers our prayers.  Still, we say, "Why?".  We continue asking, "Why?".  He continues to be patient with us...waiting for us to obey and then to receive his blessings.

Just as a mom knows the harm and danger from the things under the sink.  God knows the big picture of our past, future and present.  We forget that he does want the very best for us.  We want our own way.  We focus on the thing we think will make us happy and hang onto it.   The "thing" for me was to have an easy happy life, free of heartache, no suffering.

How many times can a child say "Why?" until consequences are required?  When is it time for the child to obey and the reasoning to be put aside?  How long will Jesus wait?  How many times will He give us another chance to obey?  When will Jesus give us our way and allow us to experience the consequences?  I am thankful that I chose to obey even if it meant letting go of the "thing" I thought I wanted.  The suffering allows many blessings to be possible in my life.

As a child must obey the parent.  We must obey God.  God knows what is "under the sink" in our life.  He knows what will harm us, what will cause pain.  He wants to protect us.  We may not understand God and what He is doing in our life but if we love Him we will do what He says.



John 14: 23, 24

"Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching.  My Father will love him, and we will come to him to make our home with him.  He who does not love me will not obey my teaching.  These words you hear are not my own they belong to the Father who sent me."