A TEACHABLE HEART

I received this email devotion and it really made me stop and think "Do I really take the time to listen to God to see what he is teaching me? Not only to hear him, but to apply it to my life."

A Teachable Heart
By: Lysa TerKeurst

Isaiah 2:3, “He will teach us his ways so that we may walk in his paths.” (NIV)

Devotion:
As a mom, I often find myself in the role of teacher and instructor. Whether I am showing them how to tie their shoes, how to ride a bike, or how to finish their homework, I love teaching my kids how to do new things. I rejoice when they succeed and try my best to guide them in the way that is right and best for them. However, my teaching and instruction can only work if they are willing to listen and receive what I have to share.
Today’s key verse tells us that God teaches and instruct us, His children, how to do godly things so we may walk in the paths that are right according to His Word. Just as I want my children to follow my instruction so they are successful, our Heavenly Father also wants to see us succeed. But in order for that to happen, we must also be willing to receive and take in the things God has to share with us. Thankfully, He loves us enough to do whatever it takes to keep us on the right path—a path that leads to Him.

In Deuteronomy 8:3, Moses tells the Israelite people, “He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord” (NIV).

We can find God’s instruction throughout the Bible. If we want to know how to make our plans succeed, we can go to His Word for answers. He is there for us just as we are there for our kids. His character is woven into every story; His wisdom etched in every line of the text. All we have to do is look.

Unfortunately, when we ignore the instruction God maps out for us in His Word, we end up having to learn through a harder path that may be much more painful. That is why having a teachable heart is so important. As I long for my children to be continually open to my instruction for their benefit, God wants us to be open to His teaching for our benefit. The farmer who continually has to thresh his crop brings about no harvest. Don’t give God a reason to keep threshing you before you make an impact for Him. Will you be willing to humble yourself and submit to all the incredible things that He has to teach you today?