I had a conversation with a family member yesterday. She was in a tizzy because someone was picking on her child. Ok Mama bears — calm down. I know how we can be if we think someone is messing with our child. However, this child is GROWN. She is in her 40’s … not a little baby anymore ok?
The thing is this. As I talked to this Mama God’s truth just shot right out of my mouth like an arrow. I even had “ah-ha” moment myself as I spoke. Ha.
I have known this “victim” in question for 22 years and though she is sweet, she also has an issue with fearing what others think of her. As a matter of fact, so does her Mama. Her family can’t stand for someone to be on the “outs” with them. (Guess what? Some people just aren’t going to like you.) As this older woman fretted over her baby, I said, “Sometimes God allows things like this to grow our character. Perhaps He wants to weed out any fear of man out of her heart.” The Mom, “Huh? What did you say?” I said, “We are to fear God alone, not man. Perhaps God is using this to remove a fear of man out of your daughter’s heart.” Did my words sink in deep? Uh, no, I doubt it. This Mom then proceeded to speak over her daughter, “Oooh, I’m so worried about her. She is so upset” basically speaking over her that she will have some type of physical reaction to her stress. I tried telling her (for probably the 20th time over the years) that our words can speak LIFE or DEATH and that I choose to speak LIFE: Your daughter will be FINE in Jesus’ Name.
The reason I’m sharing this is to make this point. God can use every attack against us. He has a way of turning it around, teaching us lessons, and exposing things in our hearts.
Genesis 50:20a
You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.Romans 5:2b-4
And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could protect our children and never allow them to feel any pain? I think that is a natural instinct for a parent. But just as a butterfly must go through the process of fighting its way through the cocoon to build up strength to fly — we must endure certain hardships in life to strengthen our spiritual wings. Does that make sense?
Ok, 
on to a different subject. I am linking with Peggy at The Power of Your Love to memorize God’s word. Last week’s verse was from Romans 1:16. I wonder how many of us truly understand the POWER of the gospel? I don’t know that any of us can really wrap our minds around something so holy.
Romans 1:16
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
If you are a Christian, I hope you can say that you aren’t ashamed of the gospel. I pray people can see we are Christians by our love, our actions, OUR LIVES.
This week’s verse is one most of us know:
John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Will you join us and learn a verse a week? If so, visit Peggy HERE.
Have a great Tuesday everyone!!!
Such a wonderful post my friend.
So true Beth! I relearn this all the time, that God takes the bad and turns it into good! And yes, we don't want our kids to hurt, but sometimes it is what they need to grow and learn. Thanks for the post! God is so very, very, good.
I am NOT ashamed of the gospel and I love how you tried to talk to that mom. Your words may not have sunk in deep with her, but they did with me. 🙂
It's always easy to agree with Christ but sometimes, we end up having an intention not to obey Him completely. Great reminder here! God bless.
I love these verses. So powerful! I agree our words are so powerful.
Hi Beth!
I have never been ashamed of the Gospel…no way, no how! I am grateful and blessed to be a Christian…saved and redeemed! Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful lesson! You always touch my heart.
Beth..you're always teaching me something!!
I love the verses you shared! The last one is one of my favorites!!
Ya know, I hate knowing people don't like me. And yet in the past couple of years, I've had to learn to deal with it, cope with it, quit caring so much, and MOVE ON!!!
It's just hard to do as a "people-pleaser", which I totally am. I'm a people person, like to keep people smiling, so….
Obviously I still have work to do on accepting that not everybody's always gonna like me. HARD!
This is such an encouragement to me with me having to let go of Jacob at school!
Love Collette xxxx
Great encouraging post Beth! Jesus is the only Way! There is no other! No matter how hard we try to make other pathways take us to our answer, they all end in the same pit, discouragement, devastation, and depression. And, the only Way out of those pits is to turn around and take the right Way. Amen!
I read two similar posts yesterday. Like Erica said, I don't like to know people don't like me BUT I am also mature enough to know there are more people that do like me and more importantly, God LOVES me! I need to focus more on living up to his standards and not their standards.
As one post pointed out yesterday, obstacles are often put in our way but turn out to be pathways to something bigger and much better!
Oh good stuff!
I love the butterfly reference…..of course I am partial to butterflies. *wink
You speak such TRUTH Beth…..as always!
xox
Very true. I used to be the same way, and only in the last few years have I realized that truth… I only need fear the Lord. Why should I fear what Man thinks of me? As long as I follow Christ, I only need to fear Him. 🙂
I love those verses too! We must not be ashamed of our Lord or His word!
I think the best thing for that mom to do is just pray and leave it in the Lord's hands. Her daughter is a big girl now and the Lord is well able to guide her.
Beth thanks for doing a great job. keep getting the word out their.Bless you and your house.St. POD.
I have to say AGAIN your blog is touching so many peoples life… I know it touches mine each time I read it: )
Amen! We have to remember that God works all things for our good whether we like them or not.
Love your scripture this week. Praying it is an inspiration and encouragment for you my friend!
Great a-ha moment! Great thoughts here! It is so true…not everyone is going to like you…but the ones who do mean so much!
I didn't read this whole post because this picture grabbed my heart.
Here's why:
http://www.teawithtiffany.com/2008/10/letter-to-senator-obama-about-abortion.html
You are so right, Beth. We finished up a Bible study on character several months ago. One thing I learned was that every trial & tribulation we go through is God's character building tool.