“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.” Philippians 4:4-5a ESV
Recently two uncomfortable situations arose in the same week, one at home and one at work. Both required me to interact with people I knew of but didn’t really know.
I prepared myself for dealing with the conflict I was sure was coming. How would I respond? Would I be guarded and defensive? Or would I be kind and try to get to the bottom line in each situation?
“The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer a supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Philippians 4:5b-6 ESV
But here’s how God works: The day before things happened I planned for teaching Children’s Church the following morning. The lesson was about God’s creation, and I wanted the elementary students to recognize how God’s creation shows His power, intentionality, and love. Well, the next morning I’m in my car preparing for conflict when I got into a conversation with God (if you think God doesn’t burst into our thoughts, think again). It went something like this:
“Who’s bigger, you or Me?”
“You are.”
“Who’s more powerful, you or Me?”
“You are.”
“Who’s in control, you or Me?”
“You are.”
“Who loves all people involved?”
“You do.”
Yup, it’s true, I was put in my place. . . and I felt such peace.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7 ESV
Because I wanted to be God’s representative in each situation. I wanted my actions to reflect love and patience. I wanted to listen and respond wisely.
But yes, I had an inner struggle between how I wanted to act and how I should act. And yes, I spent time thinking unkind things and attacked my boxing bag a few mornings. I’m not claiming to be a saint.
But I slowed down (remember?) And this peace remained as I slowed down to think rationally about steps I could take to form and maintain positive relationships with those involved in each situation. And guess what happened? Positive, productive, and appreciative phone calls, texts, and emails.
And the two situations were resolved peacefully. Not necessarily how I would have chosen, but peacefully. And I can look back and recognize that God used me to be love in each circumstance. . . and that was none of me and all Him.
