I know I’ve written before of a difficult person in my life. The emotions and the words and the actions that all mesh into struggles for me. I have a difficult time processing and not falling into anger and biting words behind their back. They have identified as a child of God. This is person is part of family of God.
I cannot change this person’s behavior, and God is not calling me to something else. So, how do I practice (that word from yesterday!) Godliness? It’s so easy to fall into frustration and continue the same behavior. Guys, God has something better for me than this pit. It’s a whole lot of Spirit. And remembering these verses. I can pray this person change, but honestly, our whole lives, don’t we always have this person? The change begins in me, by remembering they are a child of God.
Then, committing to pray for this person. Their life. their heart. Their relationship with our Heavenly Father. And slow down my mouth. Commit some verses to memorize to pray over this one. Here’s some I’m considering from 1 John 3.
“See what an incredible quality of love the Father has shown to us, that we would [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are! For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, we are [even here and] now children of God, and it is not yet made clear what we will be [after His coming]. We know that when He comes and is revealed, we will [as His children] be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is [in all His glory]. And everyone who has this hope [confidently placed] in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure (holy, undefiled, guiltless).”
1 John 3:1-3 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/1jn.3.1-3.AMP
The Father in heaven has shown me so much love. I am named. I am called. I am counted as a child of God. So, in my wrestling with this person, I remember today. She is so named, called and counted. We both know him. We both love him. When he comes again, he will be revealed to both of us.
I cannot even describe the amount of fighting within my soul. Thoughts like, this person, do they deserve this? (Honest to God.) Do I deserve this? Do I behave perfectly? Obviously no.My hope is not found in their behavior or words. This is where I need to be. I need to change how I am thinking of this person. I need to begin to look for the worth found only in Jesus.
God loves this person way more than I do. Such a gift! He’s teaching me in practice. Every time I enter this place where they are, is my opportunity to move my thoughts towards the Spirit, allowing his voice to change my words, my actions and my life.
And I have hope. I hope in Christ. This is my season of wrestling. Though, good grief, aren’t they all? I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. I want to look more like Jesus and less like the old me.
It starts with knowing the truth. It starts with seeing this person as a child of God and part of my family.
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