" And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’" ( Acts 26: 14)  

In Acts 26  we find Paul  making his defense before King Agrippa. Paul tells the story of his conversion on the Damascus Road ( Acts 9)  and how Jesus got ahold of this religious man. It is a powerful account that truly illustrates for us the miraculous change that takes place within a heart that's met the Living Savior. 

As a new believer I immediately made a connection to this story. For the longest time I thought that the personal connection I felt was a result of my pre-conversion days. In many ways my coming to the Lord and serving Him was a shocker to those who knew the "old Lori". Some would even say about me, "she had a Damascus Road experience.

But as time went on, I realized this account's pull on my heart wasn't so much about the radical conversion. It was more about what Jesus spoke to Paul there in Acts 26:14, " it is hard for you to kick against the goads"

To kick against the ox goad was an idiomatic expression in the Hebrew culture that referred to the ox, who instead of quietly submitting to the master and allowing him to direct his path as they plowed the field, would instead  be stubborn and unruly. The master would then take his goad ( stick with a sharp point) and give the animal a little prick in the side. This would cause the ox to straighten up and go in the direction and at the pace in which  he was supposed to go. It was much better if the beast of burden simply did right to begin with and would avoid the prick of the goad in its side. 

Animals can be stubborn. Just ask my dog who refused to get into the car to go to the local Tractor Supply to get a bath. He parked himself on the bed and refused to budge. I grew tired of coaxing him and trying to get him to move. So I picked him up ( he is over 40 pound, not a little guy) and carried him to the car. As I was walking with the canine, who was not a happy camper, I was reminded that pup is not the only stubborn one in this house! How often I am the stubborn child ! God reminds me of this  as He gives me a little prod here and there.

I want to do the Lord's work and be in God's will. I know that walking outside of the will of God is not a good place to be. I know that God's way is always better than man's will can ever be. Yet, the stubbornness that is in me flares up from time to time. I can be like a stubborn ox wanting my own direction and pace. Often my pace is to get ahead of God. 

Yes, I've submitted my life to Jesus at conversion. Saved and converted. Still, there is a daily continuous surrender in which I must willingly and conscientiously walk. It is not a once and done deal. 

I've learned much from having children and pets. I've learned that I'm a lot more hard headed than I once believed my self to be! I've also learned that it goes far better for me if I will stop trying to go my way and instead yield every aspect of my being to God.

I'm in process as I bet you are as well. Learning to yield more and more of my life to Jesus.

Sometimes when things are not going smoothly and I feel like its all uphill, I stop and pray. Quite often I hear that phrase..." Its hard for you to kick against the goads" and I'm thankful for the loving reminder of My God who always has my best interest in mind.

Do you ever " kick against the goads"?  Yield it all to Him and you will see just how much more you can accomplish walking in step with Jesus.