Sometimes It’s Hard to be Sweet

Does the rebel inside you ever want to come out? Are you like me and being sweet gets wearisome? I mean I want to do it right, I want to love and forgive and serve and… but sometimes, I just want to stomp my foot and yell like Ouiser on Steel Magnolias, “I’m not as sweet as I used to be.”

Obedience brings all kinds of good blessings. I know all those things, but sometimes I need reminding.

Dr. Luke records Jesus’ insight on obedience,

I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching and then follows it. It’s like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well-built. But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”1

Samuel also laid some good ground work about a solid foundation when he explained to Saul how God felt about obedience,

What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.”2

Oh friends, I have felt like a little beach bungalow battling some wind, waves and floodwaters and I bet you have too. Jesus wasn’t playing when he said that in this life, we would have trouble. I shook and quivered. Groans and moans could be heard as I fought to stand firm on Christ, our Solid Rock. Trying my best to keep from collapsing in a big ole pile. The hope I clung to was knowing I had a relationship with Jesus.

Sometimes It's Hard to be Sweet

The more we do as Jesus asks, the firmer we will stand. 

When the wind calmed, I was still standing. A little weather worn, but still standing. Maybe you know your foundation is weak, start firming it up. The materials needed are those that build your relationship with Jesus – prayer, Bible study,and becoming a doer of the Word and not just a hearer.3 Let me tell you, it will much more comforting to know you’ve been building on the Solid Rock, before the wind starts blowing.

As the winds of life swirl around you, plant you feet firm. Call on Jesus.

Luke 6:47-49, NLT
2 1 Samuel 15:22, NLT
3 James 1:22 

Linking with…Suzie Eller at #livefree Thursday, Kelly Balarie at Purposeful Faith, Holly Barrett at Testimony Tuesday and Susan B. Mead at #DanceWithJesus Friday

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14 Comments

  1. Oh, Carmen, this was a tough one to read today for I feel a bit weak in one situation. It feels like those waves are huge and all around me. I feel helpless. I am still now as the waves settle down and my ears are wide open for I want to know what I am to do and to be. I want to know directly from the One Who I am obedient to. Thank you for this today.
    Oh, God, please show me Your ways.
    Caring through Christ, ~ linda
    ps…visiting from Holly’s

  2. “Groans and moans could be heard as I fought to stand firm on Christ, our Solid Rock.” I couldn’t help but think – Isn’t that the truth? May we keep striving to stand firm on our Solid Rock! Thank you, Carmen.

  3. Yes, it is hard to be sweet sometime. I’m thankful everyday is sweeter with Jesus and with that firm foundation we have hope!

  4. Oh, yes, that sweetness has been waning in me lately too. As this world grows more cruel, I don’t feel as sweet.

    But, I love knowing that God remains the same as always – faithful, gracious, and kind. I want to be like Him.

    Thanks for the reminder to continue to trust and obey even while the waves are pounding!

    Found your post today on Dance with Jesus.
    Hope you have a blessed weekend~
    Melanie