(Psa 32:9) Do not be like the horse or like the mule, Which have no understanding, Which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, Else they will not come near you.
What do you think of when you think of being stubborn? I get this picture of a mule trying to be led by a patient owner, but the mule is freaking out. Pulling back, hooves dug in, ears twisting, cross-eyed, tongue hanging out, and giving out a series of resentful and irritating sounds. And when I add this scripture to the picture, I have to be honest and say that looks a lot like me!
Why are we so stubborn at times? If I think it through I guess it’s because we just can’t trust where the Lord might be leading. We fight His direction. We resist His guidance. Why? Because we just can’t trust Him and let go. We want to stay where we are. It’s comfortable. It’s safe. It’s what I know. I don’t like the unknown. I’m afraid to launch out. What if something happens? What if I’m put back? I have too much to lose. And so we become stiff, unyielding, obstinate, headstrong, willful, inflexible, rigid, and unbending. Now aren’t those nice qualities to have? Good grief!
God doesn’t look favorably on His children being stubborn. This is what God told King Saul: (1 Sam 15:23) For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king."
And yet James has something to say on the matter: (James 3:17) But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
Has God been speaking to you lately about something? Are you resisting His leading in your life? Don’t be a stubborn mule. Be a yielding tool that God can use. All He wants is to bless you. God is good and has the best for you (James 1:17). But you have to let go. Will you start saying “yes” instead of saying “no!” Stop trying to be so safe. It’s so dull. Whatever happened to that adventure you had in you? If God is leading, you will not fail! (Rom 8:31)
Hey, let’s put it like this: If you’re going to be stubborn, be stubborn for God instead of against God. Take that fighting spirit in you and use if for the Lord. If God has given you a strong will then use it for Him and do His will strongly!
(Psa 81:12-14) So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, To walk in their own counsels. 13 "Oh, that My people would listen to Me, That Israel would walk in My ways! 14 I would soon subdue their enemies, And turn My hand against their adversaries.
Louie