I don’t want orange!

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

“I don’t want orange!” whined Caleb after drawing a card. We were in the middle of an intense game of Candyland. Caleb was ahead of me but also very determined to win. So, when he drew the orange card, Caleb was mad. That orange card was not going to get him to the winning spot.  Caleb wanted to skip ahead and win. He complained and tried to draw another card. I explained to him that you only get to draw one card and you need to do what it says even if you don’t like it. After a little pouting, Caleb finally conceded and went to the orange spot.

Skip ahead

We continued on with the game and God started speaking to my heart. He gently said “You’re a lot like Caleb. You want to skip ahead sometimes and get past the hard times.” At that moment, I was convicted. How often do I complain when a circumstance comes that I don’t want? How often do I desire to draw another “card” so I can avoid the pain? Way too many times. I need to take my own advice that I gave to Caleb.

Even if I don’t like the circumstances in my life, I still need to embrace where God has me. He works through everything for His glory. Instead of fighting a hard time, I need to lean into God and ask what He wants me to learn from the circumstance. Instead of wanting to skip past a hard time, I need to look for ways I can be more like Jesus in that time.

How about you? Do you find yourself wanting to get another card so you can skip ahead? Do you find yourself fighting God over your current circumstances? I encourage you to lean into God and open your heart to what He wants to teach you.

Heavenly Father, I really don’t like the hard circumstances I am facing right now. Please help me not to complain or fight You on them. Please open my heart and teach me. Help me to receive the good You have for me in these circumstances. In Jesus name, Amen.