By:  Pastor Jarren Rogers

“One does not have to understand to be obedient” – Madeline L’Engle

I’d venture to guess that each of us has concluded, at one time or another, that our parents actually know something after all.

As children, and often into our teenage years, we feel like we know best. Every time our parents directed us or guided us in a certain direction that went against our desires, we tended to brush them off and think they were crazy.

But something happens as we grow up. We eventually decide that they weren’t so crazy after all. Soon we begin to ask them for advice. We ask them for help. Even into adulthood, we call them monthly, asking them how to do certain things or asking them for their input on different situations.

I think when we were younger and we thought our parents were crazy, we failed to realize that our parents directed us in a certain way because they knew what was best. (And all the parents in the room said Amen!)

I think the same can be said about our relationship with God. So many times, God directs our path and leads us in certain situations and we think that He must be crazy. We tend to brush God off when His will for our lives seems outlandish.

Why? Because, when it comes to our own life, we feel like we know what’s best. It’s our life after all. Don’t we know more about our situation than anyone?

If you’re like me, you may come to the conclusion that you know what’s best because you’ve done the math. You’ve looked at your situation backward and forwards. You know the ins and outs. You’ve thought about it logically. You know that A+B=C.

But then, God’s will says something different. God comes in and messes up our plans. He messes with our logic. God comes into the picture and says that A+B=D.

It doesn’t make sense! But God’s logic greater than our logic. His understanding is greater than our understanding. And, ultimately, His will should be greater than our will.

No matter how much you think you know what’s best for your life, God knows more. God has written your story from the beginning of time. He knew who you were before you were even born. He knows the past, present, and future of you! Who do you think knows what’s best for your life? You or God?

So, not only should you honor your father and mother because they want what’s best for you, you should also:

“Love the LORD your God and keep his requirements, his decrees, his laws and his commands always” (Deuteronomy 11:1).

He wants what’s best for you.

Parents: Explain to your children why you direct them in the way you do. Tell them that God wants what is best for them just like you.