Sometimes we pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal truths to us. Unfortunately, even after praying for a heart that is willing to learn and a spirit that is open to change and growth, we sometimes still find it hard to handle even legitimate suggestions for improvement. Listening with a Godly, humble heart can protect us from missing this excellent resource for OUR personal growth. There are times when God will put certain persons in our lives or reveal certain things to us that may cause our flesh to hurt. The things which causes our flesh to stand out may not necessarily meant to attack or tear us down, but to challenge and build us up. When we misread their intentions, we invite misery. When we believe their intentions are wholesome and healthy, we can endure our critiques even though they may not express it as sensitively or as helpfully as we might have wished. In Psalm 141:5, David wrote, “Let a righteous man strike me — it is a kindness; let him rebuke me — it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it” (NIV). Unintentional challenges and attacks consist largely of comments and behaviors that are not malicious. Prepare for the inevitability of having to deal with them by learning to assume the best and give the benefit of the doubt. This will help us keep things in perspective. The way we handle attacks demonstrates how much we are conforming to the image of Jesus Christ. At times we may respond badly when attacks seem unrelenting, merciless, and unjustified. But getting knocked off balance does not mean we should repeat the mistake every time we come under fire. Unforeseen attacks can be so disheartening and discouraging that we sometimes question whether it is worthwhile to keep going. We might ask, Who wants to tolerate this abuse anyway? But that is not the issue. The bottom line is how we respond so Christ is glorified. People need to see it is possible to take direct hits — whether from the enemy or from friendly fire — and still maintain a positive testimony for Christ. The way we respond reflects the way we are growing in Christ. Oh that I may KNOW him (Jesus) and the power of his resurrection. Oh that we may seek him and learn of HIS ways. Oh that we may fix our eyes on HIM and NOT get distracted, oh that we will continue to administer grace and receive mercy. Seek the Lord and allow the Holy Spirit to be your guide and teacher. Todays challenge: write down something that you need revealed to you, seek the Lord diligently in prayer and watch it come to past.
Posted on: Mon, 29 Dec 2014 10:58:26 +0000
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