I DID IT MY WAY

Chapters 18 and 19 deal with the responsibilities of Aaron, his sons, and the Levites.  It tells them what they are to do and how to do it.  It also tells them what they are to do if they are unclean.

Chapter 20  starts with the Isaraelites whining and complaining again because they had no water.  When they went to Moses with their complaints, Moses and Aaron fell upon their faces at the door of the tabernacle.  God told Moses to take the rod, gather up the assembly and Aaron, and speak to the rock.  The rock would spring forth water for the people and their beasts.  Instead of obeying God, Moses did it his way.  Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock twice and the water came out abundantly.

Because Moses did it his way, he was unable to go into the promise land.  God also told Aaron that he would not enter into the promise land because he had rebelled against His Word at the water of Meriboh.  Both Aaron and Moses was punished for not doing what God told them.  They did it their way.

How many times do we want to do something "our way" instead of "His way."  I am reminded of one particular time not so long ago.  I was living my life my way never asking God what was his will in my life.  My son challenged me to go on a mission trip.  I told him no I was not going.He asked me if I prayed about it and I told him no I had not prayed about it because I did not want to go.  He told me I needed to pray about it so I prayed "God you don't want me to go do you?"  Every time I turn around I was hearing something about missions.  Finally, I said, "Lord if you want me to go, show me."  I decided to go to the next mission meeting but I still wanted to do it my way so I told the Lord if he wanted me to go that I would but don't send me to Belize.  Wouldn't you know it the first mission meeting was for Belize.  Oh no, I don't want to go there.  I thought that I was off the hook when they told me how much money I needed to go on the trip.  Then a short time later I received a check in the mail with enough money to cover what I needed.  After that, I gave in and said I would go.  The trip was amazing.  I saw how great the need was and I was so glad that I went.

God didn't punish me like He did with Moses and Aaron.  Instead when I gave up and let God take over and do it His way, He blessed me.  Since then, I do not want to do anything my way.  I want God to take control of my life and lead me in everything I do.  How about you, have you let God take control of your life or are you still trying to do it your way?