I'm still wrestling internally with some personal relationships that I have. I'm still working on my praying for this person(s); it's not always easy. Some days I just want to walk away from these relationships for they seem doomed, but then I'll hear or see something that keeps me going one more day. When people are in your everyday life and you cannot escape contact with them, it can be hard when your values and morals don't line up.
In 1 Peter 3:1 it states, "Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;" (I believe that this can apply to more than just husbands - close friends, family members, co-workers...anyone can be won by seeing Christians live a Godly life) But, Psalm 55:19 also states "God will give ear and humble them, he who is enthroned from of old, because they do not change and do not fear God." There is no guarantee that the person will change their ways just because we Christians try to live by the Bible and be an example, all we can do is keep following God and praying that they will come to know the Lord as we do.
This week I am focusing on learning to let go. Not letting go as in walking away, but more of a tough love kind of letting go. Some people just will not listen to any advice, no matter how small it may be and when it is hurting your relationship, those are the kind of people who just need to be left to make their own mistakes and find their own way. I will probably have to remind myself of this several times each day, but I'm hoping that it will give me some peace and diffuse disagreements.
I found this saying to give me strength through this portion of my journey...
With His truth in our hearts and our gaze
on Him, the waves can be walked on. The storm may continue to rage on, but we
will be safe in His arms. May we fix our gaze on God, determined to run the
race that is set before us, with complete faith that He is working it for our
good.
(source:http://www.notconsumed.com/)
(source:http://www.notconsumed.com/)
When I was searching some topics on the Focus on the Family website, I saw their recommendation for a book by Karla Downing. I then found her website, which talked about letting go, and these statements which I will be reading again and again...
To let go is not to enable, but to allow
learning from natural consequences.
To let go is not to judge, but to allow
another to be a human being.
To let go is not to criticize or regulate
anyone, but to try to become what I dream I can be.
To let go is not to regret the past, but
to grow and live for the future.
To let go is to fear less and love more.
And last, but possibly most importantly, some more hope. The article in which I found this quote had nothing to do with my situation, but it still stood out to me. What I love about it is that it is written in the past tense and that it is a definite. God gave her what she needed for each specific day. God did it for her, and He will do it for all who ask. The day may not be pretty, but he will get us through it if we just keep leaning on Him.
God gave me what I needed for each
specific day.
Letting go can be one of the toughest things to do but so necessary if we want to have peace. Thank you for this encouraging post. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThank you - yes, it's not easy to let go when we care about someone. Sometimes they just don't want to be saved from themselves and must learn the hard way! It's not fun, but apparently a necessity of life.
ReplyDeleteAmen.Great words - and truths - it is very difficult learning these things, isn't it? One day at a time! I like the quote you posted that has to do with Hebrews 12. It's a pack of verses I'm always looking into. Thanks for blogging! Jenn
ReplyDeleteLetting go can be so hard. I was in a situation where I learned the only way to let go was to pray for the person who was offending me. I had to pray every time I had contact with her and every time she entered my thoughts. God eventually took the sting away and let me see the situation with his eyes. Compassion and forgiveness came and the situation worked itself out. I was obedient and God proved faithful.
ReplyDeleteYou are in my prayers.
Appreciate the encouragement
ReplyDeleteI love your thoughts here. (Hopping over from Intentional Me.) I'm glad you're willing to tackle a difficult subject. I have a truly difficult relationship with a person whom the Bible commands me to take care of, yet she is excruciatingly critical of me and slanders me to other family members every chance she gets. Because of the type of relationship, I can't just walk away. When I've tried to step back to take a breather from the emotional pain, then there is more criticism and slander. What I intend for good, she takes as bad if it doesn't fit with what she thinks I should do. I think I need to let go of my expectations of a reciprocal love and serve for Christ.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing! Yes, it is so difficult sometimes! (all the time!) Know that you are not alone in your struggles and I am adding you to my prayer list! (keep me in yours?)
DeleteGood points as you tackle a difficult subject. (Hopping over from Intentional Me.)
ReplyDelete