Two long weeks had passed since the incident took place that seemed to shake the foundation of her faith. She had replayed it time and again in both her heart and mind. Thoughts of betrayal, fear and doubt had almost become second nature during these two weeks. Had she indeed heard and obeyed what she thought were instructions from the Lord? If so, why had it become as soot and ashes so quickly in her eyes severing no purpose?
Once again she glanced at the clock, past midnight. Sleep seemed to be unattainable tonight. She cried out, “Why, Lord, can’t I simply put these thoughts out of my mind?”
Like a warm summer breeze blowing over her God’s word came, “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things.”
She cried, “But there is no truth, justice or pure to be found in this incidence. Did I not obey You? Why do people choose not to believe?”
There is was the word she had so often preached about and taught about. The word she herself had heard so often from the Lord: “Choose.” The breeze once again blew and His words brushed against her heart.
“Did I not tell you of the woman who now must choose to allow me to heal her from past abuse? Did I not tell you time and time again of those who will choose to allow me to do a work in their lives and that there will be those who will not? You once made a choice to follow me no matter the cost, pain or inconvenience to your life. Now you must choose to put this bothering incidence aside. You must choose to think of the times I have shown you how I can heal and change lives. Meditate on these things.”
She now understood. She could relive this incidence in her heart or she could shake the soot and ashes from her heart and move forward. What will she choose? I choose to meditate on all the times I have seen God’s detailed answers to prayers.
I choose to meditate on the healings I have seen in the lives of His daughters. I choose to believe it is better to obey even if the results aren’t as I thought they would be.…I choose God!
Memory Verse:
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things.”
– Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)
Prayer Prompt:
“Abba Father, again today I choose to follow You. Again today I choose to believe not only Your written Word but Your spoken word to my heart. Father, You alone are Truth and Justice. Today may I truly remember all You have shown and taught me of Your loving kindness. Today and everyday that remains of my life here on earth, may I choose You over all things….”
Contributing Writer:
Linda Jurek
Linda, this reminds me of the passages I’ve been reading in Jeremiah. But I can certainly relate to it on a personal level as well. We do have the power to choose how we respond to offences.