One of the hardest fights is to fight against something we know to be right.  Our pride resists and we don’t want to accept it.   We become stubborn as an ox fighting against the goads, those wooden prods that poke us when we go the wrong direction.

This is Paul’s story.  Because there was a problem. He couldn’t deny his experiences with those blasted Christ-ians.

“These men began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke” (Ac 6:10).

Every time these guys spoke, Paul could not stand up against them or fight the Spirit.  I believe it’s because he felt that their message was true but his mind told him differently.  He could not, would not, dare not let this heresy sway him.  His would stay strong and uphold the law.

But not stronger than the power of Jesus  Thankfully.

“About noon, O king as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions.  We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?  It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’” (Act 26:13-14).

In his fight against Jesus, Paul surrendered.  And today we have much to be grateful for that encounter.

I too often find myself fighting against the goads.  There are things I want to do that are good, but not necessarily best.  In the past the Holy Spirit has met me and I am glad.  I hope to mature to the point where I obey instead of fight, but until then, I’m glad the Lord is so ferocious for our hearts.