But I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you. But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward. Jeremiah 7:23-24, NIV

Blame it on a poor classroom teacher, poor class makeup, or even my inability to teach them, but this fourth grade was impossible to deal with! Even though I loved teaching this age group the most, this particular class refused to allow me to teach. I had so many fun games and songs to use that, had they even given me a chance, they would have loved my class and learned a lot at the same time. 

Every singing game involving holding hands in a circle ended in some kind of tug of war or refusal to participate. Games with a ball ended in someone trying to “get another classmate.” These children preferred to goof around, waste class time watching each other cause a scene, and generally refuse to enjoy the lessons I knew were in their best interest. I tried to modify my lessons and do everything I could to make them more appealing. And then they even had the audacity to complain that they were bored!

But let’s be honest, don’t we treat our Lord the same way sometimes? Do we refuse to accept His plans for us and generally make it impossible for Him to deal with us? Do we miss the good things He wants for us because we think we have a better idea? Sometimes we stubbornly hold on to things that do nothing to help us or give us joy. We fight against those alongside us whom He has given for the sake of His good purposes. Then we wonder why our lives disappoint us, and the Lord seems so far away.

Lord, I want to hear what You are trying to tell me. I realize that too often I hold onto things that are bad for me. Please help me learn from You how to let go. Amen.

Copyright Shirley Wilson.  

Shirley is a retired Christian Educators member and a former board member of Christian Educators.