Devotion: Terrible Twos

My daughter is two, and yes the call it the “terrible two’s” for a reason.  The other day when it had snowed she ran out immediately to play before I could stop her.  When I told her to come back in the house and eventually had to drag her inside she threw a huge tantrum.  My reasoning for bringing her inside was so I could put her coat and boots on before going to play in the snow.  I knew as the parent that she needed to be protected from the harmful elements and that she would enjoy her time playing much more if she wasn’t wet and cold. 

It made me think though, how many times does God diverted us from what we want?  I know I have thrown a spiritual tantrum just like a two year old would because I didn’t understand what He was doing.  I assumed that since I wasn’t getting what I wanted that God just didn’t love me or that He just wanted me to suffer and not have any fun.

On the contrary!  God loves us so very much sometime He stops us from doing what is harmful for us or maybe He changes the situation so we can enjoy the things He gives us all the more.  We are told in Jeramiah 29:11 how true this really is.  “For I know the plans I have for you”, says the Lord.  ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Let us remember that we usually do not see the big picture.  By letting God have control over our lives, trusting that He knows what He is doing and has our best interest in mind we can rest peacefully and have the joy that only He can give. 

“Dear Lord, please forgive me for not trusting you in all areas of my life.  Please help me to remember that you are God and I am not, and you know what is best for my life better than I do.  Thank you for caring so much about me that you want a good future for me.  Amen.”

Written by Myken Smith

Having lived all over the country, Myken has found a home here in Utah with her husband of 13 years, Jason, adding their two year old, Emily along the way.  After giving her heart to Christ in 6th grade, Myken has had lots of ups and down throughout her walk.  CrossPoint Church has been the turning point to help her become the vessel for God that she is meant to be. Originally a Journalism major, she is now writing for the Lord as He leads.