Negotiate

I usually think that everything is negotiable. In my world as a REALTOR, we negotiate price, possession, and terms when someone is purchasing or selling a home. I also negotiate with my wife about where we’re going to dinner or on vacation. We discuss all sorts of options and then we land on one that works for us.

There are some things that are non-negotiable. For example, I can’t negotiation with the Highway patrol if I don’t like the speed limit on a certain stretch of the road. I don’t get to negotiate with rules that are in place for my safety and protection. My punishment for breaking the rules is somewhat negotiable.

When Moses was going to Pharoah at the request of the Lord, Pharoah thought that they were negotiating, but in fact the Lord was orchestrating the exodus from Egypt according to His terms. Check this out….

²⁴ Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and said, “Go, worship the Lord. Even your women and children may go with you; only leave your flocks and herds behind.”

²⁵ But Moses said, “You must allow us to have sacrifices and burnt offerings to present to the Lord our God. ²⁶ Our livestock too must go with us; not a hoof is to be left behind. We have to use some of them in worshiping the Lord our God, and until we get there we will not know what we are to use to worship the Lord.” (Exodus 10:24-26 NLT)

God gives me freedom to choose His way. When I choose His way, there are many facets of His plan that are non-negotiable. He will not be manipulated into doing things the way I want to. His will and His way are what is always best for me. I can’t always see that clearly. My head is a bit hard too. I have been known to be stubborn.

God wants my obedience to Him without negotiation. My obedience honors Him and blesses me. I surrender to Him and His way for me. When negotiating my surrender, I must accept His terms and follow Him completely.

Pressing On!

Dwayne