And then Bam! Boom! Skid.......... Crash!
Somebody (probably a friend or relative) accuses us of something dreadful, something which wasn't inside our brains, on our radar, or even close to being our intention.
Ever been there?
And the weird thing is that Secure Folks say, "Why be upset when you're accused of something you didn't do? Just thumb your nose at that person, laugh and move on."
Why be upset?! Because it hurts to be misunderstood, that's why. To be watched and then accused. To have your actions judged as incorrect, evil or pointless. That type of stuff can make you question, "Does everybody else see me that way?" and pretty much turn your world upside-down, making what you once knew as facts, appear skewed. Confusing.
But oh... During your recovery from that sudden (unfair) fast-ball-in-the-head from left-field, don't you love it when Jesus finally whispers:
"Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange (unusual and alien to you and your position) were befalling you." ... 1 Peter 4:12
... and then this:
"In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." ... 2 Timothy 3:12
Yeah, I do, too.
Now, of course I'm not talking about the times when we actually were stupid and someone called us on it. Uh, no.
No, today I'm just encouraging you to not allow yourself to be blown away by those annoying Naysayers sent to 'test your quality.'
What's a Naysayer?:
"Naysayers tend to blend in with those around them rather well, granted they have learned over the years to adapt to their surroundings. However, when the opportunity arises, their true nature will be exposed and they will stop at nothing to exclude others or bring a general sense of negativity to any situation."
Know anyone like that?
But here's one of the best secrets, ever: Always let Naysayers make you better, not bitter. When you're accused of what you did not do, raise your sword higher and determine that you'll become more courageous, more forgiving, more loving.
And let those times send you running to God, so close in fact, that you can smell the very perfume from Heaven upon the collar of His robe. It's at that place where He will heal you.
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"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." ... Ephesians 6:11
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My mom had two sisters. I am the oldest granddaughter. All my life I tried to fit in with them. My grandmother made them include me sometimes. When she passed away they stopped including me unless they needed me. I bought into that for a few years or more because I so wanted to be included. They disappoint me so. I needed to be wanted. To laugh and have fun with them. Even at age 78 the one tries to tell me how things are going to be. Ha! Not anymore. Still makes me sad at what could of been. My love and care for them is so strong and they rarely give me the time of day. So.....I know all this to well. God gave me a daughter and we have wonderful times together. They only like her when she is doing something for them. I go to God and ask for his guidance and ask him to hold me when I feel it is just all to much. Life is to difficult to be indifferent to each other. Who knew Christians could be so mean? :/
ReplyDeleteBoy did I needed this today. Thank you. We have been the brunt of hatefulness from a very close neighbor for years. They were told a lye about us and believed it no matter what. So now they think of us as the evil ones. They are now good friends with the family that told them the lie. We see them naturally many times a day. There is no way to not be reminded. I try to keep it out of my mind but it is hard when they are so close. I try to pray for good for their family every time I find myself getting tense or stressed about it. There seems nothing else I can do to help. I try to keep my mind off of it all. I bet they feel stressed about us too. I cannot believe...or actually I can...how much one lye can change a life....or rather many lives. Sarah
ReplyDeleteWhy how on earth did you get into my head? lol! I live with this sort of situation almost daily and yes, I do sometimes stop and examine myself and ask "IS that really who I am?" Thankfully I have some pretty awesome loved ones (hubby and two of my kids) who assure me otherwise and help me screw my knocked head back into place. And yes, you are right, it is a time of testing each time, a time to be better and not bitter.
ReplyDeleteWe are to have new flooring. The books nearly undid me when my husband asked innocently enough, "how many boxes will we need for your books?" I kid you not I nearly backed out of the flooring, lol. Oh but I am sure it will be worthwhile and I've promised myself more bookcases after the new year so the books aren't stacked double in the cases I have now.