Stubbornness . . . Or Is It Determination?

I have been accused of being a lot of things in my life. Believe it or not, when I was a naive 19 year-old trying to figure out how I was going to make it to Bible school, I was accused of sleeping with the pastor's son who was married and like 43 at the time - ew!! Of all the accusations that have been leveed against me in my lifetime, there is one that I cannot refute. I am stubborn.

I'll give you a "for instance." Since we are trying to be more frugal these days and one of the few things that we can control in the way of our expenditures is gas, we have invested in 2 bike trailers - one for our daughter and one for whatever else we may need to take with us. Now, the first thing you need to know is that we live right off a four lane highway, and in order to get anywhere you have to get on that highway. That being said, I have endured quite a bit of scrutiny over this little venture.

I have had people tell me that I am foolish for taking my daughter out in this trailer on that highway (we stick to the wide shoulder, mind you). We have been the recipients of more than a few dubious looks from those we've told. I would venture to say that most have doubted our ability to actually stick to this little plan of ours.

Well, if you want me to prove to you that I can do something, just express your disbelief in me. It gets my Irish-German blood boiling to think that people do not trust my judgment. One of the many valuable lessons I learned from my dad was how to think through all of the aspects of a situation before developing a resolution. Therefore, we did not enter into this plan lightly. In addition, to imply that I think so little of my child's safety as to put her in harm's way is ludicrous. After all, I am not one of those people who dangle babies out of windows or drive with them on my lap.

So, I am happy to say that we have taken two trips in our new mode of transportation - the most recent was today. Our first jaunt was a mere 11 miles round trip. Today's little adventure wound up being somewhere in the neighborhood of 15-16 miles round trip. It is not easy, but it is satisfying to prove my detractors wrong.

What does all this have to do with Father? I'm glad you asked. Sometimes Father asks us to make choices that to our human eyes seem nonsensical. In fact, there are times when we will make those tough decisions and still doubt ourselves in the midst of the journey. I can tell you that last mile today was one of those doubting times for me.

Instead of throwing in the towel and proving your critics right, endure to the end. Be stubborn, or as I like to refer to it - be determined! When you stand at the finish line of this particular race, you will not regret it.

I love the way that the writer of Hebrews puts it in Hebrews 12:1-3

¹Therfore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ²looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. ³Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

Next time you find yourself defending a decision made after hearing the voice of God, take a lesson from Hebrews. Just run with endurance the race that Father set before you. Let Him deal with those who would scoff at your trust in Him. You will find that Father will not only change you but some of your critics in the process!

PS - Before I go, I want to remind you about the Reader's Choice. It is your opportunity to choose some of the topics we discuss here. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas!