How to Stop Doing Things the Hard Way

Somewhere in my back yard is a tiny bug who needs to know how to stop doing things the hard way.

This little green bug caught my attention one rainy day when he found his way inside our house and onto the kitchen faucet. When I moved in for a closer look, I realized he was a shield bug. (I helped both my kids with their elementary school insect projects, so I know things.) Because of his bright green color and tiny size, I classified him as cute and named him Sammy. But, cute or not, I refused to let him live in my kitchen.

Not wanting to smush Sammy, however, I slid the edge of a napkin toward him. He obliged by stepping aboard and hanging on for the ride outside. I noticed a leaf, wet with a fat raindrop, stuck to the deck. I deposited Sammy onto his new home. Then I watched my little friend do an interesting thing. He appeared to be washing his hands, er, feet, by sticking his legs into the raindrop. Then he brought one of his legs up to his mouth for a drink. The little guy was thirsty! Was that why he sat on my kitchen faucet? But just because he sat there didn’t mean he would have ever gotten a drink from it. Sammy was doing things the hard way.

How many times do we do things the hard way? We think we know best, but we don’t have enough facts to make the right decision. We settle for second best, or third best, or just plain worst. Sometimes we have the facts but we’re determined to try things our own way, even when we know we’re making poor choices. The end result can lead to disappointment, unmet needs, and suffering.

So how do we stop doing things the hard way? Consider what God’s word says:

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5 NASB) Just imagine, the Creator of the universe, the One who is all-knowing, invites us to come to Him, and He will give us wisdom. God assures us “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you” (Psalm 32:8). He knows what we need, and His plans for us are always for our good. We don’t have to spin our wheels and struggle through life, settling for less. God longs for us to trust Him with every detail, to live out Psalm 37:5: “Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.”

Let’s stop doing things the hard way. Each morning when we turn on the kitchen faucet, let’s pray Proverbs 3:5-6 over our day: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” God is faithful, He is for us, and He will give us the wisdom to walk His paths of truth and lovingkindness. His way is always for our best.

Now it’s your turn! I’d love to hear your thoughts! Just leave your comment in the box below.