As I walked into the garage, I noticed one of those unusual giant beetles crawling along the baseboard. Since I was about to leave and close the garage door, I decided for its own good that I would try to guide the insect to safety and freedom. However when I got it out on the driveway, it headed straight back into the garage. I tried again, this time attempting to hurriedly pull my car out and close the door before the beetle could return. Nevertheless, it moved faster than I did, squeezing back into its desired destination just before the door could block its path. I didnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t know bugs could be so stubborn. Later I would find the beetle caught in a cobweb in the corner of the garage, struggling to survive. Once again I offered assistance, freeing it and taking it farther out into the yard this time. Its difficulties in the garage seemed to have taken its toll, possibly injuring one of its legs, as it hobbled slowly through the grass away from the house.
I will admit that I had no real affection for that beetle. It was simply the fact that since I rarely spy one of those larger, interesting-looking members of the species, I decided to try to spare it some trouble, maybe even save its life. Nevertheless, it refused to take advantage of my efforts on its behalf, as it was determined to go its own way.
Isnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t that much like us in relation to God? He is more than mildly interested in us and our welfare. He loves us deeply. And He is much wiser about us and what is best for us than I was concerning that insect. He wants to help us. He provides guidance for us. He sees the pitfalls and dangers in our pathways, making efforts to help us avoid them. He is working for our good, if we would just listen to Him and follow His leading. However, much like that bug, we tend to stubbornly insist on having our own way, often to our detriment.
I donòòò½ÊÓƵ™t know that I understand all that was involved in the unusual incident recorded in Genesis when Jacob wrestled with God. However, it seems to have been a turning point for this man who had been accustomed to using his cunning and wits throughout his life in order to get his own way. From manipulating his brother into giving up his birthright to wheeling and dealing with his father-in-law over his wages in sheep, Jacob found ways to obtain what he wanted. Nevertheless, at this point he seems to come to the place of surrendering to Godòòò½ÊÓƵ™s will for him. He didnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t give up his own will and plans easily. It was a struggle. And Jacob came away from this encounter with a permanent limp in his step. It served as a constant reminder to him that God was greater than he was, that He knew best, and that Jacob could trust Him to direct his life.
Have we come to that realization in our own lives? Are we stubbornly refusing to listen to Godòòò½ÊÓƵ™s voice and submit to His will because we are so determined to go the direction we want to go? If so, we are only hurting ourselves. God knows what is best for us. And He truly cares about us. He isnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t trying to spoil our fun òòò½ÊÓƵ“ He is looking out for our best interests, both in connection with this life and for eternity.
Letòòò½ÊÓƵ™s quit fighting against the One who loves us most and who is most concerned about our welfare. Letòòò½ÊÓƵ™s stop frustrating His efforts to help us. Letòòò½ÊÓƵ™s come to that place of surrendering completely to Him and to His will for us.