🕊️ PRAY HERE DEVOTION 🕊️ We Pay When We Do Things Our Way

Scripture: Numbers 20:7–12 (NIV)

Devotion: Have you ever heard the saying, “A hard head makes a soft behind”? Or how about, “If you make your bed, you have to lie in it”? Both are true. Many of the hardships we experience in life are not because God is unfaithful, but because we chose to be disobedient. We really can create unnecessary pain and setbacks simply by doing things our way instead of God’s.

God is a good Father who loves us deeply. Everything He instructs us to do is for our good and the good of those around us. His directions are meant to lead us into blessing, peace, and victory. But so often, we think our plan is better; until we’re dealing with the consequences of our own choices.

Parents can relate to this. You set a clear path for your child so their life will be easier and blessed, but there’s always that one who does the opposite of everything you say. As a loving parent, it hurts to watch them hit brick walls and struggle unnecessarily, knowing all they had to do was listen. God feels the same way about us.

In today’s Scripture, Moses allowed the children of Israel to frustrate him. Their constant complaining, disobedience, and ungratefulness wore on him, but the real issue was that he let their behavior affect his obedience to God. God gave Moses clear instructions: gather the people, speak to the rock, and water would come out for them to drink. But Moses did not obey. Instead of speaking to the rock, he struck it.

Here’s the part that can fool us; water still came out. Just like Moses, sometimes when we do things our own way, it seems like it worked. We think everything is fine. But obedience still matters. God told Moses plainly that because he did not follow instructions, he would not enter the Promised Land. Moses could see it, but he could not experience it.

Disobedience cost him access to what God had promised.

We have to check ourselves, put our egos aside, and obey God; even when emotions are high and people are frustrating. Doing things our way may appear to work for a moment, but it often costs us long-term blessings. Obedience is always in our best interest.

Don’t suffer the pain of disobedience when a life of peace and blessing is available through obedience.

Prayer: Father, forgive me for the times I have chosen my way over Yours. Help me to put my pride aside and obey You fully, even when it’s hard. Teach me to trust Your instructions and not lean on my own understanding. I want to experience every blessing You have promised.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.