Ever Been Smacked in the Head with a 2X4?

Have you ever been smacked in the head with a 2X4?  I think we can all confidently say "ummm...NO!" (if you HAVE been hit in the head with a 2X4 you may need to make some life changes...just saying)  Even though I haven't been hit in the head with a 2X4, I'm pretty sure it would hurt.  I'm also pretty sure if I was hit with one I would know (The blood or smelling sauce would probably give it away.), but I would definitely know I was hit.  I would be in some pain, there would be some confusion and disorientation and it would take some time to figure out what the heck just happened.

Now I haven't been literally hit with a 2X4, but spiritually I have.  I think so often we expect our encounters with God to be these feel good, chasing rainbows and butterflies kind of experiences, but God is pretty good with a 2X4 (speaking from experience!) and I think He needs to be.  Most of the time we are stubborn and hard-headed - well, at least I am - and for God to get our attention He has to wind up and swing.

I remember when I was just starting out in ministry and I felt the sting of the 2X4.  We had moved from Pennsylvania to Texas and my wife and I were looking for a church to call home.  Once we found that church I felt God calling me to get involved with youth ministry and my response to that was a loud and emphatic "HECK NO!".  My middle school and high school years were the worst and I'm so glad time travel isn't possible because I would not even want to travel back in time to relive those years to even try to make them better.  I battled with God for months about this call until one day He just got out His spiritual 2X4 and swung for the fences.  Let me tell you...I am so glad He did!  I love working with students as they work through who Jesus is and what that means for them.  The transformation that comes with a Godly smack with a 2X4 is worth pain, confusion, and possible embarrassment we may go through to join God on the path to the life He's called us to live.

So in those days of confusion, frustration, disorientation, and pain realize God may have just smacked you in the head with a 2X4 to get your attention.  He's got bigger and better things planned for us and sometimes a little pain is required for the transformation.