Caleb's inquisitive curiosity keeps him active. Exploring, learning, touching, experiencing. A child's mind is a sponge that absorbs everything it encounters. Yet, with this innate desire to explore, there exists the danger and pain of consequences.

We repeatedly told Caleb, "Do not touch the oven. It's hot. It could hurt you." Our commands were not to hinder his curiosity, but to protect him--to keep him from harm.

A few years ago, my wife prepared some homemade pizza for dinner one evening. As I stood at the counter, I opened the door of the preheated oven. When I turned around to get the pizza, Caleb walked around behind me--out my sight--and methodically placed both hands on the inside of the hot oven door. I turned back around just in time to see him scream. My heart broke.

After a quick visit to the emergency room, Caleb was diagnosed with second degree burns on the palms of both hands. Over the next few weeks, we kept ointment, bandages and socks on his hands. Thanks to God, there was no permanent damage.

When your Father sets boundaries in your life, it's because he loves you and does not want to see you hurt. He is not stifling your curiosity or creativity with his commands. He is protecting you from physical, mental and spiritual harm.

If you disobey God, there will be consequences. The aftermath of disobedience may be felt in different ways. For some, the results are immediately obvious and painful. For others, the pain is hidden and not so obvious. Regardless of how it is felt, there is no avoiding the consequences of disobedience.

"A man reaps what he sows" (Galatians 6:7b).

Just as my heart broke to see my son experience the consequences of disobedience, your Father hurts when you hurt. He does not like seeing you in pain. He comes to you ready to work out those painful issues in your life. He's there to comfort you and love you. He will not condemn you for your actions.

After the oven incident, I didn't get mad at Caleb. I didn't jump all over him saying, "See, I told you so. You should have listened to me." No. I loved on him. I held him as cried. I did everything in my power to make him feel better.

In the same way, God is not mad at you.

If you are hurting, talk to your Father. He knows all about it. You may not even know why you hurt. As God to speak to you through prayer and through his Word. Let the Holy Spirit speak through your conscience. Listen for his voice of compassion. And with the help of Jesus, let the healing process begin.

Blessings!

Russell

o-----------------------------------------------
|  Russell Pond     <><
|  Season of Peace
|  email:  ponder@season.org
|  web:    http://www.season.org

© Russell Pond 1999
Reprinted with permission