Not long ago I found myself in a situation with some negative and critical people. It can be very difficult to spend time with them. These particular people act more passively aggressive, and it makes me nervous to be around them. I began praying for the Lord to help me to be kind and gracious in this situation.
God’s Unexpected Answer
The result of that prayer was that trials sprang up.
Yep, you heard me right – things got worse. The circumstances we found ourselves surrounded by completely changed, and we ended up stuck together for even longer.
You might be thinking, “Wow, your prayer totally backfired!”
But in those hours, I kept believing the Bible verse that tells us that God works all things together for our good (Rom. 8:28) and that He is always working to help us.
What was God up to?
Could it be that God allowed these very unpleasant things to happen so that my prayers for protection and a good experience would be answered?
The trials gave me the choice to be gracious and helpful to these people instead of hardening my heart toward them. As I chose a gracious and kind posture, it released pressure from the situation.
Trials shape and mature us.
In the scriptures, James 1 tells us that God uses trials to shape and mature us. This is the way that we develop the “grit” necessary to grow and become the fierce men and women of His Kingdom. I have never grown because things were handed to me or when things were easy. My heart and mind have been shaped by defeat, difficulty, and in seasons of trials. While victories have reinforced the values and validated what God has said in the past, it has been in the agony of defeat that Jesus has taught me the richest and most beneficial lessons.
Could it be that God sent these very unique trials so that I would choose to invite more of His presence into that moment?
The outcome of this specific experience was conditional on my response to the bad things happening. If I would have thrown a fit, been critical or stomped around in dismay, things would have become more difficult.
Walking in love shifts the atmosphere.
When we walk in love toward others, it shifts the spiritual environment around us. It was impossible for these people to maintain their critical attitude in an environment that is saturated with the presence of God.
The Lesson:
God will sometimes allow a trial so that you will have a righteous response – and in doing so, the spiritual atmosphere will shift to reflect more of heaven.
It would be easy for me to assume that God didn’t answer my prayers in that situation. Now that I’ve had time to look back on it, I know that God was answering my prayer; it just wasn’t the answer that I expected. When I examine the fruit of what took place, it’s clear that God was helping me.
What trial are you facing right now where your obedience is required? Be aware that God will not take all your trials away. Instead, he intends to use them to prompt you to invite the presence of God into the situation, and to shape you and be glorified.
I look forward to seeing all of you this coming Sunday, Sept. 5th.
Our 9:00 a.m. service will be outside on the island and will include a baptism service.
The 11:00 a.m. service will be in the Dome.
You can also live stream our 11:00 a.m. service on Facebook and YouTube.
Need encouragement? You can receive a word of encouragement each day. Text the word Encourage to 530.296.3689. You will be added to the list to receive an encouraging scripture or quote from me each day that is sent right to your phone.
Leaders (and potential leaders): you can also text Lead to 530.296.3689 to be on the list to receive a thought, quote, or a challenge from me daily (or most days) regarding leadership.
