Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Hebrews 11:18, “of whom he had been told, ‘It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you.’”

How willing are you to be obedient? Does it depend on who is asking? Will your attitude match your actions?

As a parent I had no difficulties establishing my ‘authority’. And my children often could tell if a command was open for discussion or not by my voice. Through their growing years they often tested those boundaries to see when they achieved more responsibility. They knew my tone so well that sometimes they recognized they had pushed too far before I did. I had the power to send young children to bed early and withhold car keys from teen-agers.

So I was completely caught off guard when my grandson—then at age three—very matter-of fact—told me he didn’t have to listen to me.  And why is that I asked, since he wasn’t even in any trouble. He was just thinking out loud. “Because only mommy and daddy are my boss.” I gently explained the chain of command, which his parents later confirmed, and once his puzzlement became resolved he nodded in understanding. But since, not always in complete acceptance. When an issue needs to be resolved—for him only his parents have the final word.

I wonder sometimes if my own attitude towards others exercising their authority over me influences my attitude towards God, in my ensuing obedience or outright rebellion. Will I run away like the prodigal son and end up in mire, or stick close like the elder son and nurse a grudge for years?

Abraham faced the most heart-rending choice imaginable. Yet he made it based on his understanding of God’s character, and so entrusted to Him his most precious gift.

“My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work.” John 4:34

Lord, please give us courage to follow and obey with complete trust, knowing that your promises and Your commands overflow with Your redeeming love.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 66:8-10

“Bless our God, O peoples, And sound His praise abroad,

Who keeps us in life, And does not allow our feet to slip.

For Thou hast tried us, O God; Thou hast refined us as silver is refined.”