And whether they listen or fail to listen - for they are a rebellious house - they will know that a prophet has been among them...
You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious...
Go now to your countrymen in exile and speak to them. Say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says,' whether they listen or fail to listen...
And there, where they were living, I sat among them for seven days - overwhelmed.
Ezekiel 2:5&7 and 3:11&15b
Can anyone else relate to Ezekiel the way I can this week???
I was reading these words, thinking of my rebellious pre-teen son. And the repeated message to Ezekiel - that he needed to speak, whether the Israelites listened or failed to listen - pierced my heart.
Do you know how many times I just want to give up?
Do you have any idea how often I wonder if the words I am saying to my son will make an iota of difference in his life?
Oh, how often I have sat where he lives - overwhelmed.
But I read these words from God - His clear instruction to Ezekiel to go and speak to these people - and I realized something. Even though the Israelites were a rebellious people; even though they didn't do what God commanded them; even though they turned away from Him and did exactly what He told them NOT to do - still, He loved them. Still, He wanted them to hear His Word - to have an opportunity to hear the Truth.
And with that realization, God spoke to my heart.
I may not think my son is listening to me - when I correct, instruct, or even when I profess my love for him - but whether he listens or fails to listen, I will speak. And I will pray that whether he is listening or failing to listen today, God will store my words in my son's heart, that one day he may understand.
Have a wonderful weekend. I'll see you back here Monday!
17 comments:
You know what, my friend? I've learned that even when I appear to not be listening to God, I still am. Somewhere in this teeny blond brain of mine (or maybe in my heart) I'm hearing Him. I'm just choosing to ignore Him.
As I think back over my years of unspeakable rebellion toward the Lord, I know that I was listen, but choosing to not hear.
So, thankful that He is patient. Patient, patient!! Good grief, was he ever patient!!
Leah
Leah - I pray the same is true of Joshua. That he's listening, even when it doesn't look like it.
Thankful for God's patience, too!
You make sure to continue to speak the Truth to your son! You are right to heed Ezekiel's words! Believe me. I fear I too often said nothing, when I should have said something, no matter what came of it. I decided to have a little peace in our home instead of a battle. But the battle with the dark powers of this world is real, very real. I know all about it.
I am willing to share it w/you in an e-mail if you choose.
hjtrumble@sbcglobal.net
Great thoughts as always... yes, these words are important to me today as well!! Somethings need to be said even if the recipient is not listening...
Blessings sweety!
Amanda
This reminds me of my testimony. My husband's parents at the time could not have been happy with his choices he was making as a teenager and then picking me, an unbeliever as his girlfriend. But they spoke the truth to us everytime we were together and just wiated for the Lord to do His work. I think that's what made them 'different' to me. I hold on to that now. Speak truth and wait for God to do His work!
Have a great weekend!
Heidi - Thanks for the "been there" encouragement. I will keep speaking!
Amanda - Thank you. Some things need to be said - and I pray he hears, even if he isn't listening...
O Mom - And look at what happened because they kept on speaking the truth. Speak and wait for God - right on!
Oh, sweet sister, if you continue to speak Truth to your precious child, he will hear! I can remember thinking that my girls were going to drive me nuts when they were teens and thinking that I hadn't accomplished anything in teaching them about the Lord! But they do hear and they do come back to their Savior.Just keep teaching and believing and praying!
Love you!
thanks for stopping by my blog...so glad to have found your through amanda's i am mommy site...looking forward to following your blog!
Whew!! The very same lines jumped out at me!! I too feel overwhelmed & wonder, "why am I speaking AGAIN?"...but, every now & then, my daughter says something wise & profound & I think to myself...ahhhh!!! Something IS getting in there!! lol!!
Hang in there, Karen!!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Hugs!!
Beth - Thank you for encouraging me. I cling to words of HOPE from those who have "been there"!
Denise - And I'm glad you stopped by, too. Amanda is a gem and I'm so glad she introduced us. *grin*
Patricia - Yes. That's it! When something comes out of their mouths which shows they've been listening - My heart leaps for joy!
Karen, I think kids always listen, and one day, all those loving words from God to him, through you, will make Joshua take notice.
Angie - After a morning full of Joshua complaining about.every.thing. I sure hope there will come a day when he will remember what I said. And understand. *sigh*
This speaks to my heart but not in the same way.
I hope your day is better now. Your son will learn. I know you will keep speaking if you're anything like me. NOT speaking is the hard part! LOL.
I was reading through Ezekiel recently too and saw so many parallels. I thought that I SO understand why God gave them over to themselves...as i teach these sons and see them spurn my teaching and realize that they must learn things the hard way. It breaks my mother's heart. But I must also remember the love...allow them space and room to learn and fail and love them through it all. Great message sweet sister! Hugs!
Ah Leslie, that's it!
That's the thing I find so hard!
I don't WANT them to learn the hard way. I want them to listen and learn - without the pain and regret that come with spurning wisdom.
But, alas, I cannot make them listen and learn. I can only speak faithfully and obediently. And love them through it all. Everyday, by the grace of God.
Thanks, sweet sister!
I just found you... praise the Lord for the words He has given you!
I understand about saying the same thing over and over and OVER. My children are grown, but I'm keeping my grandchildren (3,2 &1). Some days I find myself saying over and over and OVER... "don't touch". Especially with the Christmas decorations out. Today I was rewarded. My youngest one walked up to the tree - reached out and then pulled her hand back. She said, "no touch", smiled at me and walked away.
VICTORY!!!!! HALLELUJAH!!!!
Thank you for sharing your live!
Blessings~
Merrie - I am so glad God brought us together here. And I love the story about your granddaughter. Victory, indeed! *grin*
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