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Day 11 – An Untamed Heart

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Most people do not like to be told what to do, to follow others' ideas. We like to express our own ideas, styles, and characters. We want to show ourselves and others that our ways are unique and better. That is how many people choose to build their self confidence. This pattern can slowly mold us to become competitive in nature, and to win in life. As a result, we tend to think about "me" instead of "we". Satan does not only want us to compare with one another, it even tempts us to compare with God! You might say, "No way! I have never thought of that!" Unfortunately, that is the way we behave. Think of the times when we tried to dictate how and when God should provide for us and respond to our prayers. What we are telling God is, "God, I know better. Follow my way." And if God doesn't listen, we may be mad at Him, then ignore Him, and then go our own way. Isn't that how we normally behave? We are competing with God, and doubting what God has in store for us is really the best. In doing so, we try to be the god of our own lives.

Sounds familiar? Yes, that is the story of Adam and Eve! Satan tricked them, luring them to be gods themselves. This is what the snake told Eve when it tempted her to eat the forbidden fruit.

"You certainly will not die! God knows well that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods, who know good and evil."

(Genesis 3:4-5)

Indeed, God wants us to know good from evil, to know what we believe in, to have our stand and not be easily misled by others. Yet, that does not prevent us from submitting ourselves to God.

In fact, "let go and let God" is our safest bet because God is divine in nature, He knows everything, and He wills us nothing but the best!

Seriously, who else can we turn to? Yet, that requires the eyes of faith. We need to look beyond what the world and our situations are presenting to us.

We will use an analogy to better understand this concept.. Who else knows the functions and performance and how to take care of a car better than its designer? And who knows best how to care for His Creation other than God the Creator Himself? While God has created each one of us to be unique, we are also created in His image. Being our "image provider", God's "copyright" needs to be respected! Let's not infringe His very right to bring out our full potential according to His design.

We know very well that God's way is higher than our way. But whenever our pride rears its ugly head, we repeat the same mistake, doing things our way.

When we do not read or believe in the Bible, when we stay away from the Church, or do not spend time listening to the prompt of the Holy Spirit, we are in fact wandering in our distant country.

REFLECTION

Are you often skeptical about others' ideas and find it hard to follow their ways? What could be the underlying reasons?

Are you afraid of listening to God's voice, fearing that His way is different than your way?

Are you exhibiting any signs of rebellion against God, the Bible, or the Church?

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, today I realized that my lack of trust in You has been hurting You as much as Adam and Eve did. My heart is filled with remorse for having hurt You! Thank you for tolerating me for so many years. Please help to change my heart and my attitude in order not to offend You again. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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Sincerely invite you to share the reflections that inspires you by this day's retreat.

12 Comments

Linda Chan on March 1, 2021 at 4:42 am

We trust that God gives us the best when everything comes to our satiisfaction. As a person of little faith, doubts came when facing crises and I was blind to see what good could come out of it. I tend to control God, to ask Him to give me what I desire, instead of surrendering myself to do what He wants.
Experiences told me that it is only through these ups~and~downs that I am made aware as to Who is really in control. I ask our good Lord to give me faith ~ that He is our Father, Who always gives His child the best.
Marie Bernadette Cheng on March 3, 2021 at 1:41 am

When I was young and I afraid of listening to God’s voices, fearing that His way is difficult than my way. But now, after many years, I know that what God wants of me is the best for me.