Scripture I'm Reflecting on: Isaiah 45:9
"What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator.
Does a clay pot argue with its maker?
Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying,
'Stop, you're doing it wrong!'
Does the pot exclaim,
'How clumsy can you be?'
Reflection:
This has quickly become one of my favorite verses. A witty and humorous way to make a very simple yet powerful point.
I would doubt any of us can say we don't find ourselves arguing with God on rare occasion from time to time. It might be in a subtle way of just questioning why something isn't going your way, or where the answer to a prayer is. Or if you're like me you might actually find yourself arguining with God in prayer from time to time. Regardless of when and how, I think after reflecting on it, and by reading this verse, we see how truly silly that is.
This verse doesn't just speak to our thoughts however. Technically I think we are "arguing" with God anytime we resist what the Holy Spirit puts on our heart. This past fall I accepted a position that after I interviewed for I knew it was something I wasn't called to take. I even voiced this to a couple of close friends. But I took it anyway, because it made sense to me. It was a good internship in a position that I wanted some experience, and would also look great on my resume. Since it didn't make sense to me, I took the position, despite the fact I knew so clearly that the Holy Spirit had put on my heart not too. Long story short, I didn't enjoy the internship, and it was a virtual waste of a semester in that department. This is a very minor instance of the "sorrow" this verse speaks of.
I continue to be surprised and amazed as I grow in my faith by how much the Holy Spirit will guide you if you allow it to happen. I've let my logical thinking talk me out of following what's been put on my heart a few times. It's always been a bad move. Giving up control is hard, probably real hard if you're someone like me who spent most of their life withouth any real faith. Once you give up control though, and follow Him no matter how illogical or irrational it may seem at the time, you will find happiness and success that you never could have obtained without Him.
Final Thought:
I was drawn back to this verse because right now I find myself battling a cold. I used to take the word complain to new meaning everytime I was sick. I would always think God was out to get me, because it always seemed to be at the worst possible times (as if there was ever a great time to be sick). I now realize how ridiculous these complaints were. I now realize how thankful I should be for the health I have, the fact that I'm rarely sick, the fact that a cold here and there is usually he only medical battles I have in a year. There are soo many people that battle so far worse things than my puny cold, and its taken a verse like this to make me appreciate and be thankful for what God has provided me.
Arguing with God is not something anyone can win. Besides the fact you can't win, it will also do nothing but hurt yourself...bring "sorrow" to try to do so. There's always going to be a reason to question Him, to question his plan for you. Many people my age are starting to question why they aren't married yet. Some people wonder why they haven't found their dream job, why they don't have kids, etc etc etc. The answer to these questions isn't all that complicated. Give up control and let the Holy Spirit guide you. Live in His glory, and things are going to work out. This promise is prominent throughout the Bible. Have faith that it will happen, and it will.
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