Stones of Repetition: Trusting God's Plan Over Routine

My mind goes numb as my body goes through the motions of tasks that are all to familiar and routine.

Sorting Laundry

• Whites
• Darks
• Towels

Loading the dishwasher

• Cups
• Plates
• Silverware

Quiet time with God

• Worship music low
• Bible
• Journal

As people, we are creatures of habit. We find what works and tend to follow that pattern to ensure success. Over time, these tasks become familiar routines that don't require thought or conscious consideration.

We can find these patterns in our daily lives, spiritual walks, as well as in our careers.

What if, one day, we were told to do these tasks a different way? We KNOW how to get the desired result. We've done it many times before...so why bother attempting a different way?

I saw a post on Facebook today that stated:

7+2=9 but so does 5+4. Remember your way isn't the only way to get the same result.

Moses faced this. 

"I will stand before you on the rock at Mount Sinai. Strike the rock, and water will come gushing out. The the people will be able to drink." So Moses struck the rock as he was told, and the water gushed out as the elders looked on.", (Exodus 17:6, NLT)[emphasis added]

Moses obeyed and struck the rock, and God fulfilled His part in having water come from the rock to quench the thirst of the children of Israel.

Later, when there was a need for water again, God's plan was to provide it from the rock just like before. His direction to Moses, however, changed.

"You and Aaron must take the staff and assemble the entire community. As the people watch, speak to the rock over there, and it will our out its water. You will provide enough water from the rock to satisfy the whole community and their livestock.,(Numbers 20:8, NLT) [emphasis added]

Isn't it odd? They had already established a workable system for getting water from the rock, yet God gave different instructions this time to get the same result.

Moses did not follow God's instructions. He was too caught up in what he had done in the past to get the same results.

"Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out. So the entire community and their livestock drank their fill.", (Numbers 20:11, NLT)[emphasis added]

It is wonderful that water still came from the rock, only God's plan was for the water to come by a different set of actions...speaking to the rock.

Are there things the Lord is telling you to do differently...even though you already have a proven way to get the desired result?

• restoring relationships
• career choices
• job search
• quiet times
• areas of service
• volunteering
• parenting
• spousal interaction
• prayer time

"But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!”, (Numbers 20:12,NLT)

The bottom line, according to this scripture, is that we cling to the familiar out of a lack of trusting God. I know there can be other factors as well...but I challenge you to really ask yourself, "Do I trust God enough to demonstrate His holiness in the areas I cling to familiarity?" 

It take courage to allow God to use you in new ways.

Dear Lord, Help me have the courage to trust you when you prompt me to do things differently. Please forgive me for the times I have chosen routine over faithfully trusting and obeying you. In Jesus' name I pray~ Amen