Good Intentions

11/15/2020

John 21:21-22 “Lord what shall this man do?...What is it to thee? Follow thou Me.”

Staying out of other people’s business is oftentimes difficult for us. Some people just like to know all the gossip and dirt, because it may put their lives in a better light. Some people desire to be in the know because they want to be a rescuer or protector. Some people want to prevent others from suffering if they can. I will admit that I have, at different points in my life, fit into all of those categories. As believers we are not to take pleasure in other people’s suffering, nor are we to try to be another person’s savior. We are, however, called to point everyone in the direction of the One who can save them and bring them peace: Jesus. Chambers writes, “One of our severest lessons comes from the stubborn refusal to see that we must not interfere in other people’s lives…You see a certain person suffering , and you say—He shall not suffer, and I will see to it that he does not. You put your hand straight in front of God’s permissive will to prevent it, and God says—‘What is that to thee?’”

We have to allow others to walk the road that God has laid out before them. Sometimes that road is paved by the consequences of choices made, and sometimes difficulties happen through no fault of their own. God can use every circumstance in our lives, however, to teach us what He wants us to learn and bring us to where He wants us to be. Even someone who loves us and is well-intentioned in his/her intervention may thwart our ability to learn. Refiner’s fire, in my experience, is essential for growth. I know this has been, and continues to be, true of my faith journey.

We can either lift our suffering to God and search for the meaning and message, or we can give into it. When I went through my dark night of the soul, I first gave in and spiraled out of control. Only when I was at my very lowest, where no one, not even a doctor, could truly help me, did I fully surrender and release it all to Jesus. No one, not even those that love me most in this world, could pull me out of the darkness; only God could do that. This time not only taught me how to rely fully on Jesus, but it taught me that others have to lean into Jesus as well so they can also truly learn and heal.

We can, and should, always be there to help in practical ways, such as the giving of time and resources. We should also always be willing to listen and pray, but we should never take the place of the Savior. When we feel the need to save someone form there painful situation, it is then that we need to share the mercy, grace, peace, and love of Jesus. It is at these times when we can effectively make our mess our message. To God be the glory!

Matthew 11: 28& 29 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”