Way back when I was a sorta-kinda counselor at church, I usually spoke with two kinds of people: those who really wanted help and those who only wanted pity and to be told "just keep doing what you're doing, you poor dear, even though what you're doing isn't working."
The first group was lovely to spend time with. They'd listen to me, nod their heads in agreement, ask questions, let me pray for them and then often they'd go out, smiling new smiles from a little bit of new hope.
The second group, though, those pity-seekers? Argh. They made me crazy. For every bit of advice I'd give, they'd give me two reasons why it wouldn't work for them. We'd talk and they'd squawk and blame God for what actually satan was doing (or their own lack of wisdom) and see themselves as special cases where Bible truths would not work for them. I couldn't convince them otherwise.
Frankly? I hate it when people accuse God of doing the bad stuff. Hate. It.
Here is a favorite passage of mine:
"The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever." Isaiah 32:17
Wow. A person could get a little tipsy on a verse like that. I could live off a verse like that for a week.
When bad things happen to me, I sooo want to be the kind of person who remains calm, quiet and confident that God is perfectly able to fix things. I so desire to hug Him to me closer than ever when my circumstances turn tragic or just plain dark.
And if you ever see or hear me blaming God for what satan is doing or making my stomach sick because of worry or falling to pieces or believing every negative report as gospel truth? Well, you have my permission to shoot me.
Because really, I'd find it hard to live with myself anyway if I distrusted God like that after what He and I have been through. After experiencing Life with this One who sticks closer than--and is a better friend than a brother.
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"The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)." John 10:10
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I found this woman inspiring. Maybe you will, also.
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You're so right about those two kinds of people.
ReplyDeleteSome people find it strange that when Jesus spoke to the man beside the pool that he asked him if he wanted to be healed but there are certainly people who, despite their misery, don't want healing. They're more comfortable with their own self pity.
Here's something funny, speaking of satan doing things.
ReplyDeleteAbout a month ago, I decided to start re-listening to my pastor's sermons online while I get dressed in the morning. I heard things I hadn't heard before and I allowed myself to be vulnerable in my familiar surroundings and feel emotions that I don't allow myself to feel if I am sitting the congregation at church.
A few days last week, I overslept my alarm clock, like really overslept it, so I had to rush to get ready and didn't have time (if I wanted to be on time for work) to listen to the sermons. After the third time, a niggling thought came to me... maybe that was satan's way of getting me away from something that was obviously benefiting my spiritual growth. hehe. I kind of laughed about it, but I wondered...
Sweet Lady I find you inspiring.
ReplyDeleteThe enemy can just get behind the lines sometimes and we all need a good "shot" as in shoot me :) of truth.
though He slay me, Yet I will Praise the Lord....
ReplyDeleteI always remember that verse automatically when I am feeling really sorry for myself.
And then I take a nap.
That was a really good, and a really true post!
Amen!!!!
ReplyDeleteWow!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful passage.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to remember that one.
And thank you for the inspiring woman.
She is an inspiration!