Scripture
Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, He will still be with you to teach you.
~Isaiah 30:20, NLT
Quote
When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.
~Shakyamuni
It is a waste of time to give instruction to someone who does not want to learn or else thinks the instructor cannot possibly know more than they themselves. On the other hand, it is amazing what you can learn if you are willing to read and listen. The Israelites were extremely hardheaded. They were by nature a stubborn and obstinate people. Their rebellion came with a price; they suffered adversity after adversity but the LORD promised them that it would come to an end. The LORD promised to show them compassion. He would send them a gracious Helper; One who would respond to their cries for help. He promised them a Teacher {rabbi} whom they would see with their own eyes and hear with their own ears. The promise was: He will teach you the way you should go. Then you will throw away your idols as if they were filthy rags and then say, “Good riddance!”
I don’t have to tell you who the TEACHER is…it is none other than Jesus. Like the ancient Israelites, we all carry burdens–some of our own making and some that we had nothing to do with. We may not have a choice about the burden, but we do have a choice on how we respond to the burden. Do you ever wonder how parents feel who have handicapped or seriously ill children while your are healthy? In my opinion, some folks have a right to be bitter when you consider the burden they are under and yet we’ve all seen some of these dear people respond with love, kindness and good cheer. How do they do it? It has to be a grace thing don’t you think. Charles Stanley says are burdens are teachers that strengthen our faith, develop our character and deepen our love for Jesus. I think we can agree, that all three of these things happened with Job. We all want to grow and learn but none of us want to suffer; at least I don’t. I will say this: God has taught me more through failure and difficulty than He has in success and I do love my Teacher.
EXTRA
Mrs. Edith got to come home yesterday. Everything went great PTL. The kids enjoyed another VBS. I think they love the van ride more than anything. The LORD is good. We drove in the rain the first two nights and had to go slow. Last night was better and we thank the LORD for protection and guidance. I think the kids had a ball. I hope I created a memory. I’m Josie’s chauffeur today. We are headed to Priceville for a volleyball playdate. God bless you. Thanks for reading the blog. Have a great day.