Having it Your Way is Pricy
Years ago, Burger King started their new slogan, “Have it your way.” The price of the hamburger was slightly higher but it put Burger King on the fast food map.
But having it our way doesn’t work when it comes to the things of the Lord.
The nation of Judah made an agreement with Egypt as Babylon was flexing its muscle. They didn’t wait upon the Lord, nor did they obey Him.
The Lord said, “Woe to the rebellious children,’ says the Lord, ‘who take counsel, but not of Me, and who devise plans, but not of My Spirit, that they may add sin to sin.’” (Isaiah 30:1)
He then told them what they should have done.
“For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.’ But you would not. And you said, ‘No, for we will flee on horses’ – Therefore you shall flee! And, ‘We will ride on swift horses’ – Therefore those who pursue you shall be swift”” (Isaiah 30:15-16)
They wanted it their way, but God wouldn’t let them. And while in our understanding the agreement made sense, to the Lord it was folly, that is, it made no sense because God could make those who pursue them faster and deadlier.
In the end the Lord waited for the outcome. He waits until the disaster of our own choices teaches us the folly of ignoring Him in our planning.
“Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; and therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him.” (Isaiah 30:18)
And so, instead of going off in your own power and understanding, wait upon the Lord, and He will not only show you the way, but will show you mercy in what you are facing.