The Five Minute Friday prompt this week is ā¦ Purpose. You can click at the bottom of this post to get to Kate Motaungās site and read all that has been shared on this word.
In watching her approach the car, I knew it had been a rough morning in school. There wasn’t the usual delight expressed in her facial expressions. In its place was a somber and saddened countenance.
The ride home was quiet until she finally began to share from her car seat behind me, “Mimi, it was not a good day.”
She continued to explain what had gone wrong, presenting a laundry list common to a toddler who just does not want to listen to what they are being told.
And then came the words, “I did it on purpose.”
Could she be right? In questioning her, it became clear she truly knew what she was doing.
And she continued, “But I don’t want to be told what to do. I want to do what I want to do.”
Yes, it’s he problem of every man and woman to walk the face of this earth.
We talked the remainder of the ride about obedience and listening, concepts she fully understood yet the struggle in her little heart apparent.
How many times have I fallen and done things my own way, on purpose, not wanting to be told what to do or needing to obey? Toddler and adults alike face the challenge of obedience.
David in repenting of a grievous sin, prayed:
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.”
(Psalm 51:12, NLT)
Even a willing heart, one willing to obey God and others, comes from Him. It grows and develops as we intentionally spend time in God’s Word and in prayer. It won’t come without a struggle.
Yet Scripture brings this assurance:
“… continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13, NIV)
Praying that both her heart and mine will surrender our purposes for His.
May we purpose to do His purposes alone.
Today I am joining … Five Minute Friday and Faith Filled Friday and Faith āĖN Friends and #DanceWithJesus and Fresh Market Friday .
Amen.
Beautiful post.
Children do well to speak of what’s in the hearts of adults. The honesty can often humble us.
Latonya, I am continually humbled by both my own children and now, my grandchildren. It’s the reason I began blogging as I wanted them to have a lasting reminder of how they each impacted my life.
oh I like that…. I need to add that to my daily prayers… “Lord, make me willing to obey you”.
It’s so true. We can so want to go our own way and do our own thing. May He make us willing to obey.
Simple truth. Thank you! Lord, make me willing…
in a nutshell and from the mouth of babes. SELAH.
I was floored with the honest and humble admission. And it is so true of us all … we don’t obey because we don’t want to. May our hearts be willing to obey. In all things. xo
And the little children shall lead them. Your grandaughter’s words convicted me today that all too often I do my own thing on purpose…event though I know I should pause and orient myself towards God’s purpose.
Anita, I thought the same thing. Is it any wonder the Lord told us to become like little children? Amazing.
Oh to have a child-like heart that is so open to truth and conviction! Loved this today.
Bettie, this child is so strong willed and yet her admission came so humbly. It hit me hard and deep. Grateful you stopped here!
Children always have a way of teaching us. Jesus indeed knew what he was saying when he said, “Let the little children come to me. And do not hinder them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” I’m in the 5 spot this week.
Children have always been such a tool by which I learn. They have grown my in my walk in ways I would not have wanted to miss.
Such simple truths. I do a lot of things I don’t want to do on purpose. I want a heart completely His and some days, most days, I need help obeying.
Barbie, I love how you worded it – “I need help obeying.” Yes, me too! So grateful our God offers the help.
That’s amazing that she has that much maturity and personal insight! What a gift. And how wonderful that you have such a special, intimate relationship!
Any chance you’ll be able to join us at the FMF Retreat, Joanne? š
Kate, I would not have missed a day with this little girl – even though she is most strong willed š My time with her has been a God given gift in more ways than I can count.
And about the retreat … your question meant more to me than I can express, Kate. I’m thinking about it. Now I need to get my courage up to go where I know no one face to face š Yup, my parents didn’t give me a middle name as my middle name is “Chicken”!