Every Friday I join a community of bloggers for Five Minute Friday. One word prompt, five minutes. Unedited. The prompt this week is … Purpose.
I have had the privilege of watching all three of our granddaughters until they started school. One thing has remained consistent with all three of them – toddlers often don’t want to be told what to do. They want to do what they want to do.
It’s probably the problem of every man and woman who has ever walked the face of the earth.
We fully understand the importance of obedience and listening, yet the struggle is real and deep in our hearts.
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?
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 doesn’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 in order to fulfill his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:12-13, NIV)
May our hearts and minds surrender our purposes for His.
May we purpose to do His purposes alone.
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Today I am joining …
Excellent reminder. Thank you! (visiting from FMF#6)
Joanne, I love this simple reminder to purpose to seek His purposes for our lives each day. I need this reminder more often than I would like to admit!!
I do as well! Otherwise my purposes some to the forefront and His purposes fade behind. And it happens ever so slowly, so insidiously.
My purpose is to be known by Him and to make Him known.
Amen.
Yes, may my will and heart be surrendered to His purposes.
Aha…yes, we do behave so childishly with God and kick and scream about following His plans, when they don’t align with ours!
We do and when we finally give in, we realize it was best, and good, and for our good.
oh, that we may fulfill his purpose in our life. Glorifying him as we fulfill the work he has given us. FMF1
Yes and amen.
Oh yes, this is so true! It’s difficult as human to give up our own will and want to follow God in complete obedience!
We want what we want and it requires much trust that He truly does know what is best for our lives.
“Toddlers often don’t want to be told what to do.” Indeed. 🙂 I was with my two littles today and it was again proven to be true. May I learn to have a more grown-up attitude even when I want things to go my own way.
I wanna do things my way,
that’s what I wanna do!
So LA LA LA to what you say,
I’m not hearing you!
You think that you are wiser,
but I can see what’s real!
you’re just a growed-up miser
hogging freedom’s meal,
eating cake and bon-bons
and saving none for me,
expecting that I feast upon
a plate of broccoli.
Well, MY revenge will be apparent
when tables turn and I’m YOUR parent!
Hello Joanne!
Excellent post…very thoughtful and nice challenge with this Five Minute Friday!
Joanne, I loved this. Such a great reminder. Blessings.