Are you 'kicking against the goads'?

Acts 26:14 (AMP)

And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice in the Hebrew dialect (Jewish Aramaic) saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick [repeatedly] against the goads [offering pointless resistance].’

Before Paul was Paul and he was Saul he met Jesus on the road to Damascus and was blinded by a bright light, then the voice of Jesus spoke. The last sentence in Acts 26:14 catches my attention. What is a 'goad'? It's described as a 'spiked stick' used to guide or urge livestock along the desired path.

I'm pretty sure I've been doing just that in many instances (and years). Certain patterns have emerged over years; and I believe it's because I'm 'kicking against the goads' or just not listening and obeying the voice of my Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. When I finally stop to listen and obey whatever thing happening that I'm fighting against, peace settles into my life and the thing I was fighting against. Oh the effort we put into going the wrong direction (little laugh here). He never leaves us, we just get distracted trying to do it 'our way'. It's really His way or no way, but we keep trying. My goal is to love and accept the loving instruction from my God and Savior. All praise and glory to Jehovah (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)! So grateful for His patience and loving kindness in the face of my stubborn fleshly failings. Prayers for us (His children) to stop 'kicking against the goads' and following His call, His voice!

Numbers 6 (AMP)

24 The Lord bless you, and keep you [protect you, sustain you, and guard you];

25 The Lord make His face shine upon you [with favor],

And be gracious to you [surrounding you with lovingkindness];

26 The Lord lift up His countenance (face) upon you [with divine approval],

And give you peace [a tranquil heart and life].’

https://www.bible.com/bible/1588/NUM.6.AMP