Begging vs. Demanding
We are always being observed by someone, and with every move made, those observers will one day mimic our actions, whether good or bad. Going through old photos on my phone, I came across a picture from one of my grands. I’ve always saved pictures of her drawings and had to take a second glance at one that caught my attention. At the time of the drawing, she was in sixth grade and of course I had no idea she would be able to articulate such deep thought. She named the drawing “Begging vs Demanding”. Just to know this young mind came up with the concept of knowing there’s a difference literally blew my mind. Absolutely amazing!
Quick side note: of our three grandchildren, the creator of this drawing is a self-taught artist, and when she focuses on drawing and she shuts everything out to concentrate on an idea. Our middle grandchild is the most athletic and spunky one who would run circles around me, with an upbeat attitude while drinking a Dr. Pepper. The youngest grandchild can meticulously put together Legos just by looking at the picture design on the packaging, while watching television, play a videogame and help me figure out what I’m doing wrong with my Lego design. All without skipping a beat.
The words she wrote off to the side were, ‘come on please’ giving this drawing a deeper meaning, either by encouragement or agreement. When we say those three words, we are seeking something for self-satisfaction mentally or physically. However, do we ever equate ‘come on please’ spiritually? There are so many examples of ‘come on please’ moments written to help us every day and the one that gave me peace was the story of Jacob wrestling.
Genesis 32:22-32
Jacob wrestled with a mysterious divine being all night at the Jabbok River, he refused to let go until blessed, resulting in his hip being dislocated and his name changed to Israel (meaning “he struggles with God”) symbolizing transformation, perseverance with the divine.
To beg - ask earnestly or humbly for something, typically food or money, as charity or a gift.
To demand - an insistent request made as if by right; ask authoritatively.
How tight will you hold on? The vice grip you have taken on, is it worth the hold? Are you willing to have a dislocated hip until your breakthrough? If what you are holding onto is worth fighting for, don’t let go. Continue pressing on until God blesses you beyond measure. Now understand this as well, those blessings could be used to benefit others not just yourself. Read Luke 12; 48, “to whom much is given, much is required”. The more responsibility you are blessed with, the greater the accountability. God does not give us more than we can handle.
Be Kept!
