The stuff of life can complicate what we are called to do, especially when someone is difficult. The things people do can create chaos, taking our time, energy, and focus. The thing is . . . I have learned each person, even the most difficult individual, serves a purpose in our life. Regardless of what a difficult person says or does, their presence allows us to see our own weaknesses and need for God in how we respond to all things.
I have learned when I refuse to react to someone, regardless of what I might like to do or say, and seek God's word first, meditating on it, letting it anchor and direct my response, I am made strong. When it comes down to it, we must intentionally open ourselves to God's Word, surrendering our immediate reaction, determined God has something better, stepping into the power of truth and life. Of course, any follower of Christ knows that there is wisdom in opening the Word of God; however, knowing is not the same as doing. To respond to God, we must know what He says to do.
Think about what happens when we respond to the words of God.
Job, a man who faced and managed difficulties on every level, responded to what God said. In fact, we are given front row seating to the interaction between God and Job in the midst of devastation. I will say, I have realized there are specific people who have front row seating in my life, watching and waiting to see how I respond. How I respond, is as important for them as it is for myself.
Consider.
Learning to Kickstart the day making His Word be the first response,
Kerrie
(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)
In the end, our response to the words and actions of a difficult person will be what is most important, will determine how we get through a season of challenges, will put us on the path towards or away from God, and will be what really matters, even when we think we can't manage one more minute dealing with him or her.First, we must determine what our first response needs to be.
I have learned when I refuse to react to someone, regardless of what I might like to do or say, and seek God's word first, meditating on it, letting it anchor and direct my response, I am made strong. When it comes down to it, we must intentionally open ourselves to God's Word, surrendering our immediate reaction, determined God has something better, stepping into the power of truth and life. Of course, any follower of Christ knows that there is wisdom in opening the Word of God; however, knowing is not the same as doing. To respond to God, we must know what He says to do.
Think about what happens when we respond to the words of God.
Job, a man who faced and managed difficulties on every level, responded to what God said. In fact, we are given front row seating to the interaction between God and Job in the midst of devastation. I will say, I have realized there are specific people who have front row seating in my life, watching and waiting to see how I respond. How I respond, is as important for them as it is for myself.
Consider.
Then the Lord spoke to Job from the storm: "Be strong, like a man! I will ask you questions, and you must answer me (NCV).So. As hard as it can be, we must determine whether we will be strong, focusing and engaging with what God says to do, or, if, we will allow a difficult person to tip us over, taking away the life God has planned.
One thing we need to keep in mind, while things as they are might not be okay, things will work out for good when we choose to be strong through the power of God.Stop. Refuse to immediately react to a difficult person. Intentionally making your first response to go to the Word of God. Be strong . . . engaging in conversation with God . . . doing what God says to do. All things will work out for the good.
Learning to Kickstart the day making His Word be the first response,
Kerrie
(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)