I always have a slight bit of dread when having certain types conversations with my daughter. We’re both so much alike and butt heads more often than not. It’s because we both have our own way of doing things—and we both think our way is the best. For that reason, we end up going a few rounds (verbally) as we are working on her homework or correcting a problem. Recently she took a math test and was three points away from a failing grade. I started trying to help her correct it for a higher grade and she instantly began rolling her eyes and was completely frustrated with the entire process. She did not want to do homework, rather just sit in front of the television or play in her room. At one point, though I was frustrated as well, I stated calmly, “It’s apparent by what I see on this test, you need my help.  My questions is, do you want my help?”  She literally sat for three minutes in contemplation and finally said, “Yeah, I guess,” (with a roll of the eyes). After a few minutes, I realized her frustrations were mostly directed at the things she didn’t understand and her inability to rectify the problem. She had worked hard but couldn’t get it right. That led to her desire to give up, accept the bad grade, and quit school (if she had her way about things). After a few minutes of showing her a different way of doing things, I saw the lightbulb begin to go off in her head and we finished with smiles on our faces.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation that you couldn’t get out of? You knew the problem and tried to fix things the best way you knew how, but it was all to no avail. Those moments are hard and frustrating. Our instinct is to remove ourselves from the situation and move on. Unfortunately, turning our back on the issue doesn’t actually solve the problem. Many times, it makes things worse and the consequences continue to mount and get out of hand. Psalms 46:1 reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” When we look at our situation, it’s apparent we need His help. He’s always standing there, like a good father, asking, “Do you want my help?  It’s apparent you need my help.” Here’s the kicker, if He helps, He’s going to do things His way, on His timetable, and according to His abilities. Problems arises when we would rather run from the issue or instruct Daddy God how to do things—even though we know He’s smarter and more capable. Sometimes the best thing we can do is step aside and simply get out of His way. Had we been able to fix things on our own, we wouldn’t have approached Him in the first place.

Closing remarks and encouragement: Have you considered how absurd it would be for a student to tell a teacher how to teach? It’s apparent the student doesn’t have a clue. Not only would the student not have the proper training but would lack proper head knowledge as well. Just because God doesn’t do things our way doesn’t mean He’s wrong. Just stay out of His way and let Him move in ways only a Father can. I assure you, if you’re His child, He always has your best interest at heart.

Have a blessed week, my friends!

Photo by Luke Porter on Unsplash