In the bustling city of Milton Keynes, there lived a man named Kwesi known to friends as the Man. Kwesi was known for his hard work, determination, and unwillingness to listen to anyone. Friends often joked that Kwesi’s favourite phrase was, “I’ve got this!”

But Kwesi’s stubbornness wasn’t always a strength. While he achieved success in his business, his pride often led to strained relationships. He struggled to admit when he was wrong, refused to forgive easily and rarely sought advice. His wife, Sarah, often encouraged him to pray and seek God’s guidance, but Kwesi would brush her off.

One day, Sarah left an open Bible on the kitchen table, and Kwesi’s eyes fell on a verse:

“For I knew how stubborn you were; your neck muscles were iron, your forehead was bronze.” —Isaiah 48:4

Kwesi smirked. “Iron neck and bronze forehead? Sounds about right,” he muttered. But deep down, the verse unsettled him. It felt like God was calling him out.

Kwesi’s stubbornness soon caught up with him. He made a risky business deal against the advice of his team, convinced he was right. When the deal fell through, it left him facing financial losses and a damaged reputation.

Frustrated and defeated, Kwesi sat alone in his office. For the first time, he admitted to himself, I don’t have this.

His thoughts went back to the verse in Isaiah. Kwesi opened a dusty Bible he kept on the shelf and read the passage:

“For I knew how stubborn you were; your neck muscles were iron, your forehead was bronze.”

Kwesi kept reading, and what he found surprised him. Despite Israel’s stubbornness, God had been patient. He didn’t abandon them but continued to guide and refine them. Kwesi realised that just as God had been patient with Israel, He was being patient with him too.

That night, Kwesi knelt by his bed for the first time in years. “Lord,” he prayed, “I’ve been so stubborn, thinking I could do everything on my own. But I can’t. I need You. Help me to let go of my pride and trust You instead of myself.”

It wasn’t an overnight transformation, but little by little, Kwesi began to change. He started praying before making decisions, seeking advice from others, and admitting when he was wrong.

One evening, as he and Sarah sat on the porch, Kwesi said, “You know, I used to think stubbornness was a strength. But it’s not. It’s just pride in disguise. I’m learning that real strength comes from surrendering to God.”

Sarah smiled. “It’s amazing what happens when we let God work on us, even when we’re as stubborn as iron.”

Kwesi’s story reminds us that while we may be stubborn, God is patient. He doesn’t give up on us, even when our hearts are hard. Instead, He uses every situation to refine us and draw us closer to Him.

May you learn to surrender your stubbornness to God, trusting His wisdom and guidance above your own. When you feel resistant to change, may He soften your heart and remind you of His patience. And may you find peace in knowing that He never stops working in your life, even when you falter.

“For I knew how stubborn you were; your neck muscles were iron, your forehead was bronze.” —Isaiah 48:4

Heavenly Father, thank You for being patient with me, even when I am stubborn and prideful. Forgive me for the times I’ve resisted Your guidance and tried to rely on my own strength. Soften my heart and teach me to trust You fully. Help me to surrender my pride and follow You with humility. In Jesus Name, Amen.

May you trust in God’s unending grace and allow Him to shape you into the person He created you to be.