[Tweet “Says the Lord: I will put my #laws in my children’s #hearts, and I will write them on their #minds.”]
Our foster daughter, Andie is twenty. Her behavior and choices drive me cuckoo some days. She remains childlike in her desire to have everyone do everything for her and stubborn in her quest to decide what she will do and when she will do it.
Even though she is pre-diabetic and the Dr. has prescribed walking 30 min. a day, she shuns any exercise that makes her sweat. She won’t eat any vegetables and only likes a few fruits. She throws the laundry down the stairs if she doesn’t want to do it that day. And if she’s asked to do something she doesn’t want to do, she threatens to bite her arm or hit her head against the wall.
Oh, how that makes my blood boil and my heart break at the same time!
Doesn’t she know we want what’s best for her? Doesn’t she know that her choices have consequences? Doesn’t she know that we have a more knowledgeable perspective and overview and we want to help her mature and grow up to be more independent.
In other words, why is she so stubborn? Why does she choose refuse to do what is good?
My frustration builds. The Voice of Truth knocks on my heart.
“Cindy, why are you so frustrated? In many ways, you are just like Andie. You do what you want to regardless of the consequences (can you say Moose Trails ice cream 😉 ) and don’t do what you should. When you’re stubborn, I’m still committed to helping you overcome your battle with self. My love for you never changes.”
Well, crappy-doodle.
This is the “curse” of fallen mankind. Self first.
Let’s face it. Not many of us much like being told what to do. We fight for independence and “my way” from moment we’re old enough to know we want what we want. We each fight the battle of self and stubbornness and find it difficult to submit to a God we can’t see but instinctively know that He is.
And if He is, we understand He has the ultimate word.
So what to do? Are we trapped and forever doomed to fight this battle of “self” vs. “submission”?
Thanks be to God- NO!
He is going to do the greatest miracle we’ve ever seen. Without taking away our identity or free will, He will transform us to become like Him by giving us a new heart- one that is undivided and tender. A heart that responds to His wisdom and love.
[Tweet “God is executing the most amazing #miracle- #heart #transformation #mind #renewal.”]
“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” Ez. 36:26
I can hardly wait. I hate this battle with “self” because I give in to “self” so many times. I could almost cry with relief that God has promised a new heart and a new spirit!
Just look at that verse- [Tweet “I will take out your stony stubborn heart, and give you a tender responsive heart!””]
That is just about the best news I’ve ever heard. Cause this stubborn girl really does want my heart to be tender and responsive to God and His good ways!
Surprising Treasure: I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.
“When they come there, they will remove all its detestable things and all its abominations from it. And I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them. And I will take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in My statutes and keep My ordinances and do them. Then they will be My people, and I shall be their God.… Ezekiel 11:19
Galations 5:16,17 16But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.…
Cindy and I are now old enough and resolved enough to our heavenly Father’s good plans to have learned that the people our Lord brings our way are as much for us as for them. Andie needs us, but we need Andie. Easy? No. Grateful and growing in the Lord? Everyday. And so is Andie, but seeing it is a walk by faith and not by sight. 🙂
Growing up is hard- 😉 I can’t wait for my heart transplant! (and a new mind!)
Love this, Cindy, for it’s piercing truth. Made me cry. Love you!
Thanks Serena! Love you too. I just love/hate how God’s truth pierces my heart. Isn’t He so merciful? His love and commitment AMAZE me. I want my Father’s heart! 🙂
Oh yes. I need a heart transplant, too. Great post, Cindy.
And by the way….I notice some things you’re doing differently here. I like the way you’ve highlighted the “treasure” and the accompanying scripture reference at the end. It ties it all together nicely.
Friday Blessings♥
Susan
Thanks Susan! Trying to ramble less and focus more! 🙂 Blessings and have a wonderful weekend! Thanks for all your encouragement and support!
We’re all in the same boat, aren’t we! Whether our hearts and lives are broken or rebellious, what a treasure to know that isn’t the end of the story. What a day that will be, to have our sight restored to see the Lord’s handiwork making all things new! I love it. Thank you dear Cindy!
I love this thought- I CAN’T but He CAN- not only can but WILL and delights to do so! Amazing Father! Love you Edy!- Looking forward to the next chapter- I just know we’re going to have fun getting to “know” each other better. 🙂
Aren’t you glad His love for us is more stubborn than us? I can’t imagine Him with little patience. I think He must have given up on me a long time if that’s the case.
Oh, but I hope things will be okay with your daughter soon. Hope she would understand why you tell her what to do and appreciate it. #bloggercare
amazed by His stubborn love! His love never fails it never gives up it never runs out on us! Thanks for popping by, Lux! blessings and have a wonderful week.
Giiiiiiirl I know what you mean.
so hard to give in to the easy and so difficult to do what is necessary.
Thanks for the encouragement and reminder of God’s unfailing love
🙂 I think that will be the best gift of all! A heart in tune with God! hugs
So thankful for the Heart of God and that when we can’t HE Always Can!
Yes! His heart is so true and good- I want my heart to match His! Loved your Bible blog post. Blessings to you both!
This post is wonderful, Cindy and extremely relatable. I think as children, even at the age of 20 we still don’t have the mind of considering others or why our parents work so hard for what is best for us. One day, she will truly appreciate everything you are doing for her. How fascinating that you saw this in yourself and turned it over to God. There’s not many parents who would do that, so I know you must be an outstanding parent! Blessings from #bloggercaregroup 🙂
Thanks Kelly! You know these treasures well because you’re a HOME SCHOOL Rockin’ it Mom. When your life is God centered and anchored in the home- life lessons are forged by His Spirit! I used to get irritated more when my kids were little but as they’ve grown up- I’ve begun to see I’m not so different from them. I’m still God’s little girl- and He’s teaching and transforming me daily. 🙂 hugs and blessings sweet little Mama- Know that God sees your beautiful heart and acts of selflessness!
What inspiring thoughts, Cindy! I love that Ezekiel Bible verse you shared too. So easy to related to the story of your daughter as well. Thanks for the blessings!
Thanks Christine! I love that verse in Ezekiel- what a miracle- a heart that will be pure with Love for Him! Foster parenting has certainly opened my eyes to a new world- but God is there to teach me His treasures!
So much good truth here. We are each works in progress in need of patience and love. So thankful God never gives up on me. You’re doing a good job Mom. Thanks for sharing this. I needed the reminder.
Thanks Deb! Fostering is such much more challenging but a Mom is a mom is a mom 🙂 God is good!