I'm sure this is a title I will use many times. I am thinking about a woman who is a minister. I've known her many years. Not close friends but acquaintances. There has always been something between us. For my part I've felt like she just plain doesn't like me. I have been critical of her integrity in recent years. Based on what I saw and experienced in dealing with her. BUT God sees her fit for his use. So how do I reconcile what I know God's word says regarding ministers and what I have seen in her life from my vantage point?
Before you jump on me for judging her...
I've already been there. Who am I to judge? God and man know that my own faults are many and obvious. And yet I still can't support her ministry. I just can't.
I think I've finally found a key to the door of peace on this one. God promises that His Word will not come back void. The promise is not tied to the messenger, but to the message. She is willing to present Him. And He honors that.
10For as the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
11so shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: It shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
12"For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Before you jump on me for judging her...
I've already been there. Who am I to judge? God and man know that my own faults are many and obvious. And yet I still can't support her ministry. I just can't.
I think I've finally found a key to the door of peace on this one. God promises that His Word will not come back void. The promise is not tied to the messenger, but to the message. She is willing to present Him. And He honors that.
Isaiah 55:10-12
21st Century King James Version (KJ21)
10For as the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
11so shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: It shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
12"For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
From my standpoint, this is an area that many struggle with. As a minister of the Gospel myself, even I have to ask God, "Why me?" :). But you said it right, God choose her and sometimes we as people have to choose God. When we make our lives available to Him, we must understand that we will be picked apart and judged. I believe that is why God used Apostle Paul to speak to Timothy and Titus about what ministers of the Gospel should strive to be. For this reason, anytime our lives is not up to the standards set forth in God's word, we can correct it accordingly. Otherwise we tarnish the message. YES, God will still get the glory but I strive to give God the full glory due His name. The message is what is important, however, if you are thirsty you will drink from a clean cup quicker than a dirty one. The water inside the cup is the same but the cleaner cup is better received. Also, sometimes when our lives are not reflective of the power of God that we say is on the inside of us, we tend to do more damage than good. So no, we as people (Christians) should not judge the messenger because we all have sinned and fallen short, however, that does not give any of us an open door not be to be the best Christian we can be and bring glory to our Father.
ReplyDeleteI would say, approach her and let her know how you feel it may be that she is unaware of the areas that you will reveal to her. Pray and ask God, if you should approach her, I should say first. If God so instructs you then He will give you the right words to say and they will be received and hopefully cause change in her life and ministry. If there really is a problem with her liking you...then that needs to be addressed, if she is like me, the anointing I have cant flow right if I am not operating as God would have me operate. Which means, sometimes I have to swallow my pride and do what is needed for salvation and true ministry to take place. God does not allow me to harbor ill feelings toward anyone for any amount of time. I always have to bring my flesh into submission to God's will. The truth be known...God loves everyone and He likes us even more :). Simply put as a minister of the Gospel, I cant NOT like someone. When I have issues with God's people, I cant be completely open to God to be used by Him, I hope this makes since to you. Thanks for sharing. Loving this blog. Can you tell? :)
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