Over the last week we have been blessed to have all five of our grand kids together. For us it only happens about once every three years or so.
Last Monday was a gorgeous day and at our house that usually means a trip to the park. The highlight of any trip to the park is always rock climbing. The rock walls of a cave that collapsed many years ago provide a rock climbing paradise for anyone under the age of 12 (OK maybe under 60).
The crew made several warm up climbs eventually making our way to one of the more difficult climbs. We made two short pitches up and prepared for the third and final pitch to the top. Because the final stretch was somewhat challenging, being the world’s foremost authority on rock climbing (don’t tell them any different) I recommended the best foot holds and grips to get up the rock face in front of us.
Three of the five (using the wisdom bestowed upon them) quickly made it up the rock. One declared, “I don’t need any help, I have climbed rocks before!”
I watched for about 3 minutes as a struggle ensued that eventually resulted in a discouraged slump against the rock face. “Are you ready to listen,” I asked? Somewhat reluctantly the climb continued following the prescribed course.
That night as I reflected on the day’s events I thought, how many times does God have to bring us to the point that He asks, “Are you ready to listen?”
How often are we like a child struggling to get up the rock?
- We Think We Know Better Than God
My concern in pointing the way up the rock was not that I questioned the ability or strength of my grandchildren, my concern was for the safety of someone I loved. My way was the safest way up the rock to reduce the risk of falling.
God’s plan for our lives is set in place to give someone He loves the greatest chance of making it safely home one day. His way is not always risk free, or without scrapes and bruises, but it will always be in our best interest to follow it.
Proverbs 12:14 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
- We Think We Can Do It On Our Own
One of the greatest mistakes we could make in this life is to think that we can do anything on our own. We face needless struggles and frustration because we believe we are able to be independent.
Regardless of where we go or what we do, we will never escape our need for God and for community. Those who try will always wind up in a tough spot.
- We Don’t Care What God Has To Say
At the root of the issue on the rocks that day was an unwillingness to listen.
“Most Christians don’t hear God’s voice because we’ve already decided we aren’t going to do what He says.” A. W. Tozer.
Can we be transparent enough to confess that sometimes the trouble and struggles we face come from the fact that we just don’t care what God has to say about our situation?
After all, we have climbed rocks before haven’t we?
But we are blessed in the knowledge that regardless of how smart, how independent, and how unwilling we are to listen, God will never leave or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)
He will always be there to guide us, direct us and lead us, but only when we are ready to listen.
What has God been trying to tell you? Are you ready to listen?