Persistence

Scripture
Deuteronomy 3:26
But because of you, the Lord was angry with me and would not listen to me.  "That is enough," the Lord said.  "Do not speak to me anymore about this matter."


Observation
'It was all your fault, it's because of 'you' that God got angry with me and would not listen to me and now I don't get to go into the promised land.  Was it truly the fault of the Israelites that Moses lost his temper and hit the rock instead of speaking to the rock as God told him?  Who sinned because he misrepresented God and did not obey what God told him to do?  There are dire consequences to disobedience. Quit blaming others.  The 'buck' stops here.

We can ask, even plead with and beg God, to change His mind about giving us the desires of our heart after we've messed up, but there may come a time that the Lord says, "That is enough.  Do not speak to me anymore about this matter."  God will answer a very firm 'I said - NO'!  Enough said - that's it! Don't ask me again.  

Application
I can remember saying this to my own kids when they were young, when they would be so persistent in asking about something Louie and I had already told them no about.  However, the verse indicates that Moses kept asking God.  Would God change his mind and let Moses go into the promised land?   What this verse tells me is that Moses kept asking - and that's ok.  It's ok to keep asking God for those things that concern me - don't give up, stand your ground, be bold, be persistent, UNTIL I hear God say 'No, and don't ask me again.'

Prayer
Father,  I thank You for Your love, forgiveness, grace, and correction as I journey through the Bible once again.  Help me to see what it is You want me to learn from Your Word.   I don't ever want to stop asking for the impossible just because I presume You have said no.  Help me to keep seeking, asking, and knocking - until I receive a clear answer from You.  In Jesus Name, A-men.