Yesterday I was attempting to change my squirmy daughter out of her soiled diaper (and clothes, let’s be real). She was not having it. There were screams. Tears. Lots of wiggles. She had made up her mind that changing her diaper was the worst possible thing in the world. Only, turns out, it wasn’t. It was exactly what she needed so that she didn’t develop a rash.

As I patiently loosed her arms from the sleeves and changed her, I thought about our patient Father. How many times have I gotten myself into a situation that was sinful, but I got comfortable in it? And when His word required that I change…I fussed. I kicked and screamed and threw a fit because I didn’t think it was best. Changing would be hard. It would be uncomfortable. It would be wrong. Only, turns out, it wouldn’t be. Staying in sin would be wrong. It would hurt me. God knew that, and so His word was meant to prick my heart and make me change so that I could live eternally with Him instead of suffering forever in a hell created for the devil.

I hate seeing my baby girl upset. I hate when she’s crying; it breaks my heart. But when she’s fussing over something that I’m doing that will only make things better in the long run, I can only soothe her and wait until she realizes that it’s really best. I can’t quit changing her diaper just because she fusses. I can’t leave soiled clothes on her because she doesn’t seem to want to change out of them. The same is true for our Father. It must hurt Him to see us hurting. After all, He loves us far more than I love my baby girl. But when we’re screaming because we’re resisting repentance? When we’re mad because getting out of sin is hard? God can only send us the Comforter, and wait for us to follow His teachings.

God doesn’t change His commandments just because we feel like it isn’t best to follow them. God doesn’t change His commandments just because we think we’ll be happier if we can do things our way. God’s commands are there for our good; if not for our good in this life (though most are), for sure so that we can have everlasting life with Him.

When change is hard, know that God cares for you and will comfort you. When turning away from sin is tough, just remember that it is for your good. It may not feel good, but it is good. God knows best. Trust Him. Obey Him. Lean on Him. He is our perfect Father. And if we, “being evil, know how to give good gifts to (our) children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”