Thursday, July 14, 2011

Stick With It

Recently God has put someone on my heart to really show His unconditional love to. This person has rejected me, my love, and His love, every step of the way and has even gone as far as to say some hateful and untrue things about me in a public forum as a way of lashing out and trying to hurt me. Hurting people hurt people. Luckily I don't find the definition of my value and worth in what any one says about me or does to me so it's easy to forgive. A friend was sharing with me recently something he has learned through trying to shine his light to those living in darkness. He said "You know God really is concerned about that person, He wants to reach them, but He's trying to teach you something too. He's building character in you. He's showing you the meaning of long suffering." Man that really hit home for me and I am compelled to share. The rejection you may receive when you try and shine your light to others is just another thing God can use to build character in your heart. He's teaching me the definition of long suffering. He's giving me a more intimate look into His hurting heart when others reject Him. It's building my trust in Him and He's softening my heart towards those who are living in darkness.

My hearts cry today? The song Hosanna by Brook Fraser. 
....open up my eyes to the things unseen, show me how to love like You have loved me. break my heart for what breaks Yours, everything i am for Your kingdoms cause, as i walk from earth into eternity....

Galatians 5 MSG
 22-23But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.