Have you ever wanted to do something so badly, you ran ahead of God? Maybe you felt it in your bones that it was the right thing, that you didn’t even need to ask God because you just knew.
David knew the feeling. In 1 Chronicles 13, David wanted so desperately to return the ark of the covenant to it’s rightful place. He believed it was a good idea. He took that idea to godly people and asked for their opinion.
They too, thought it a good idea. There! It’s settled, he may have thought. Time to get going. Except he never inquired of God if it were His will.
And God was not pleased.
As this event is took place, a few other details emerged. Instead of transporting the ark as directed, they decided to “honor” God with a new cart for the task. But they had forgotten that the ark was only to be carried, and only by Levites.
And when that cart caused the ark to falter and Uzza feared it might fall, he reached out his hand and touched it, with the intention of preventing a disaster. But God punished him for handling the ark in such a manner.
See, God can’t go against Himself. In Numbers 4:15, God stated, “They shall not touch any holy thing lest they die.” So even though Uzza had the very best of intentions, he was disobeying a rule he should have known and followed. Regardless of his why, God followed through on His word, disciplining him as God had previously outlined.
Wow. Is there ever a time we can disobey God? Is there ever a reason good enough to go against His instruction?
No.
We never know better than God. He sees the entire picture as we’re piecing together the puzzle. We are simply seeing a small piece and trying to make sense of it.
We can’t rely on ourselves.
We can’t assume we know better.
And as Christians, we need to make sure we are consulting God.
Reading His word.
Applying it.
Because in the end, we are accountable to Him, no matter the circumstances. And we can be sure He will humble us when we choose disobedience.
Maybe like me, you need this reminder ever now and again. Even the best ideas from a heart of gold, need filtered through God. We need to ask what He thinks. And then follow His direction.
We can trust Him. Even when He says no. He promises He has great plans for us in Jeremiah 29:11. Those plans don’t need our designing, or tampering, or altering. All we need is to ask Him, consult Him, and trust Him.
Sometimes it’s hard not to run ahead. But He will help us when we ask. Let’s ask Him for just that.
Prayer: Dear Lord, You know my excitement when I think I have a great idea. Yet, I need to not rush into anything, but ask You for Your directions. Please remind me to do just that. When Your answer is no, please help me realize You tell me no only when it is in my best interests. Remind me of that. In Jesus’s name, Amen.