But if you… do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. (James 1:25)

Drops of sweat dotted the garage floor as Chet pounded furiously on the stubborn nail. Despite his efforts and a few choice words, the nail refused to sink more than a few centimeters into the thick block of wood. Finally, Chet threw the pliers across the floor with a shout. “Stupid tool!” he roared. “What’s the matter with you? I give up. I’m throwing you away. You’re worthless!” He kicked the whole project across the floor and shook his head. He would never try to build anything again.  

It doesn’t take a skilled carpenter to see the problem. It wasn’t Chet or the project. He was using the wrong tool. Pliers were not designed to pound nails. That’s what hammers are for. That pair of pliers was probably a fine tool for holding and twisting stubborn parts, but Chet would never know that because he assumed the problem was the tool, himself, or the project. So he gave up. We do that too. God gives life and clear instructions about how to live it. But we try to force our own happiness and purpose out of a path He never intended. It doesn’t work and we cry out, “I give up! I’m throwing myself away. I’m worthless!” The problem is not that we are inadequate; it’s that we are trying to live in a way we were never intended to live. We forget that God’s word is not a suggestion; it’s the owner’s manual for our lives and we’re blessed when we obey it.

Final Thought:  Are you trying to make life work apart from God’s instructions? You’re using the wrong tool for the job.

Prayer: Father, I still struggle with wanting to be my own boss. I know that when I gave my life to you, I handed over the rights to use the wrong tools. Remind me often that you’ve equipped me for purpose if I will do it your way.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.