I was watching a talk show recently, and I saw a mother sharing that her 6 year old son had a real problem with weight and overeating. Looking at the boy, it was clear that he looked much bigger than he should for someone so young. The mother shared that the son's doctor is very concerned because the problem is now coming close to ending this boy's life. When asked what the mother was doing about it, she shared that she tries to keep junk food away from her son, but he screams and cries horribly, even hitting her in anger. She stated that he says he hates her and doesn't seem to snap out of it easily. She said that she ends up giving into him much of the time. The interviewer looked at her in disbelief and said, "But your son is going to die if he keeps this up. Isn't that the only thing that matters?"
As I was watching this situation, I was immediately reminded of our relationship with God...how it is similar and how it is different. You see, sometimes we can feel like this little boy. We know what we want, and we believe it is good for us - that there's no reason we shouldn't have it. If we are denied that thing, we get angry and hurt, and we accuse God who is keeping us away from our joy. But we are also like 6 year old's in comparison with God. We are the one's who are unable to comprehend the way He thinks, and the way things really are. God on the other hand, sees a much greater and more truthful picture. He knows that these certain things should not be ours, not because He doesn't care, but because He really does. He knows that despite what it looks like to us, getting this job or this person or this situation would only hurt us in the end. And the great thing is, God is so intent on protecting us, He is willing to handle our anger and accusations in the mean time. Is He okay with these things? I am sure He is used to them and He understands. But I am also sure that it hurts His father-heart to watch us feel things about Him that are the opposite of the truth. Nonetheless, God loves us...He wants our joy and our health. And He is willing to be the right kind of parent by making sure we are taken care of.
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