Skunks and Sanctification

When I drive home at night, I usually go slower than I normally drive.  Living out in the country, I know at any time some critter can pop up out of the brush and onto the road in front of me.  So it wasn't too surprising the other night when I rounded a curve to see a skunk in the middle of the road right in front of me.

The little fur ball was in no hurry to get out of my way, so I honked my horn.  The skunk bared its teeth and sprayed!  Thankfully, I was out of range. He was still on the road, so I revved my engine.  He walked a little further, snarled and sprayed again,  We repeat this process twice more.

By now, I'm irritated!  "You little silly thing!  I'm trying to protect you!  You'll get hit if you stay on the road," I yell at the insolent skunk.

Then....it hit me.  The Lord had just presented me with an object lesson.  How many times have I growled and snarled when my plans were thwarted?  I'm sure the Lord looks at me and marvels, "You silly little thing.  I'm trying to protect you."

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  ~ Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)