Before sharing a current characteristic of each child, let me declare that my heart overflows with love for both! Now, keep that in mind as I share the following statements. My daughter loves to persist (nag)! My son loves to instigate (annoy)! Put both characteristics together in one room and this mom wants to run the other direction.
Let us begin with the persistent child. She will ask a question twenty different ways within a five-minute span until the answer desired is received. We can be in any store and she will discover a “needed” item. We will not walk out of the store without said item because my precious angel will diligently work to break down our spirit until we cave. A thought enters and she believes it to be the only way. Teaching her comes with difficulty for she cannot accept truth if she believes different.
Moving onto the instigator. He possesses a radar which discovers what action will push another’s buttons to the point of frustration. Once the button is pushed, it’s as if he holds down his finger forever. The scenario always ends with child 1 crying and child 2 stomping off. Child 1 holds the potential of hitting child 2 in hopes to stop the pushing of buttons. Then, child 2 receives reprimand for instigating, which results in child 2 feeling slighted and “always the one getting in trouble.” The scene turns ugly fast. All in an uproar, separation occurs until cool down is reached. Then, we wait until he discovers another button to push.
Point of the story: My love for these two overpowers undesired moments mentioned above. My love for each provides strength to remain even when insanity would like to take over. My love sees the beauty in growing moments which shape each child’s character. Now, don’t get me wrong, I blow up too often and overreact in most scenarios. But, my love does not falter or decrease. Once cooled down, I embrace and try to teach of a different outcome the next time the same scene rolls around.
The love a parent holds for their child pales in comparison to the love God holds for YOU! Confession: I portray the same characteristics mentioned above when it comes to speaking with God. I persist. I instigate. In the end, God’s Way always occurs and works much better than my perceived ideas. So, why does my hard-headed nature resist His Way?
The flesh is weak, but the spirit is willing. Our weak flesh persist in prayer until the desired answer is received. Our weak flesh works diligently to receive a “need” in this world. Our weak flesh becomes set on a thought/idea and cannot see beyond. God works diligently to teach, guide and mature such weak flesh. All the while, He loves us!
The flesh is weak, but the spirit is willing. Our weak flesh instigates God in hopes to bring about change in our lives. Our weak flesh hones in on desired idea and pushes continuously to fulfill our plan. When things don’t go our way, the flesh feels slighted and throws a pity party. God works diligently to open our eyes to His Will. God works to bring peace, love and joy to such weak flesh. All the while, He loves us!
Let us take a stand today against our weak flesh and listen to God. Allow God to teach His Way. Allow God to guide in Truth. Allow God to mature our spirit so it may overpower the weakness found in our flesh. Allow God to bring peace to a situation in which our flesh continuously pushes to have it our way. Allow God to soften our hard-headed attitude and bring joy to each day. Allow God to change us in love!
Fight the weak flesh with your willing spirit. Pour Truth into your spirit each day by reading His Word. Stand firm on the Truth! Avoid nagging God for what the flesh desires. Avoid instigating in situations where surrender is desired. Lay it down at the Cross and be amazed at the power in His love! Life will flow void of ugly scenes, separation and unteachable hearts. God can work mightily with surrendered lives.
It’s DAY SEVENTEEN. . .will you allow God to strengthen your willing spirit?
Live life. . .One Day at a time!
Sheree Craig
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