Day One Hundred Eighty-One “Hard-Headed”

            As a mother who birthed three sons within a span of four years, I have witnessed firsthand this scene play out time and time again.  It all begins innocently, with three little boys engaged in harmless play.  But then it happens, a small disagreement arises over a toy, a game, or one of those you’re-in-my-bubble moments.  Before Mom can ring the bell and send everyone to their own corner to cool off, that small spat has morphed into a major kerfuffle, with three strong-willed midgets, arms folded and brows furrowed, standing forehead to forehead in a major battle of the wills.  If not for Mom’s intervention, one boy would most assuredly win out every time, for he had that leadership bent, the strongest will, the most adamant stance, that you-better-follow-me-or-else attitude.  God has since mellowed his spirit, but even as an adult, he prefers that roll of authority and is never shy to lead the way.

            I don’t know if the prophet Ezekiel was born with the firm, strong willed, hard-headed, unwavering bent that my son possessed, but I do know that when that quality was most needed, God supplied.  Ezekiel would bring God’s message to the “impudent children and stiff hearted,” people of God, for “they (were) most rebellious.”  Ezekiel was warned in advance that the message of impending judgment would largely go unheeded, “for the house of Israel is…hardhearted.” Ezekiel, your audience will be firm in their resistance to the truth and unwavering in their defiance of My Word, but do not fear them, for “Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads, as an adamant harder than flint.”  Your forehead, Ezekiel, will be as hard as an adamant! An adamant is a gem with seemingly impenetrable hardness when scratched, similar to a diamond.  God had given His servant an impossible ministry, knowing that the people to whom he was sent “would not hearken,” but God expected obedience from His chosen vessel and would amply equip him with the fortitude needed to face the difficult task before him.

            What assignment does God have for you to accomplish today?  What special mission does He have in store for you? Does it seem impossible?  Do you feel ill-equipped?  Frightened? Facing rejection? Roll up your sleeves, fold your arms in determination, and face the forces of a fearful I can’t do this attitude forehead-to-forehead, knowing that YOU ARE equipped with all you will need to accomplish His will by the awesome, powerful God Whose Spirit dwells within you. Never forget that “greater is he that is in YOU,” greater than any obstacle that may be in your path.

1 John 4:4   Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Lord, I am so thankful that You endow me with Your strength to accomplish Your will in my life. Help me not to be fearful, but adamant and determined, filled with Your strength.

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