Stubbornly they turned their backs on you, became stiff-necked and refused to listen. For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you admonished them through your prophets. Yet they paid no attention, so you handed them over to the neighboring peoples. But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God. Nehemiah 9:30-31
Pugs are notorious for being stubborn. So, how is that any different from most of us? Not much.
If we’re out for a walk and Sheba decides she’s gone far enough, she sits down, digs in with her hind legs, and refuses to go even one more step; but turn around toward home and all of a sudden she’s ready to go. Just don’t try to trick her and go on past the front gate because there will once again be a pug planted on the sidewalk! She doesn’t realize her stubbornness often causes her to miss out on a lot of loving because we invariably run into neighbors who want to pamper her with attention as soon as they see her.
How often do I choose to go my own way instead of following God’s plan? As long as He cooperates everything is fine, but if it’s uncomfortable, or if I just don’t want to do it, or if I think I have a better way; I may dig in and refuse to move. And, like Sheba, I may miss the treat that’s just around the next corner.
So, I ask myself, how many blessings have I missed by being stubborn and wanting things to either happen my way or no way at all? How often have I settled for less than the best?
