Pam Padgett ... teacher
A few years ago I found a style of jeans which are comfortable for
me and can be ordered online, which I prefer rather than going to a
store. Recently I needed to buy another pair of jeans and ordered
the same size as I've previously bought. But when I received the
jeans and tried them on, I found that these jeans are too tight
because I have gained weight.
My initial thought was that I could try to lose some weight and, if
I did this, I'd be able to wear the jeans in the future.
But then I was reminded of my plan and also reminded of
taking no thought for the future.
Matthew 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the
morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of
itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
I was basing what to do with this pair of jeans on what I wanted to
happen in the future (lose some weight.) By this scripture, I knew
my plan was not the way I should go. So I'm returning the jeans and
ordering a larger size, the size I need today.
A little later I was looking at Proverbs 3:7 and was
again reminded of how I planned to deal with these jeans.
Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the
Lord, and depart from evil.
It seemed "wise" in my thinking to try to lose weight instead of
returning the jeans and getting a bigger size. I hadn't turned to
God with the problem of the jeans being too tight, asking what to
do; I was being wise in my own eyes. Losing weight rather than buying a bigger size appeals to my flesh, for being thin is more accepted in this society. This wisdom is of the flesh, not of the Holy Spirit.
And the way my own "wisdom"
was leading me is a hard way. It would have put pressure on me to
lose weight. The way I'm led as I've prayed and considered these scriptures is an
easy yoke ... return the jeans and get a bigger size.
Jesus (the Word) instructs us ... Come unto me (the
Word), all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am
meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew
11:28-30)