Stones

I recently had an experience that changed my outlook.  I am not going to give you the details of this encounter, only the conclusion to my observation.

A few years ago, when I was less spiritually and emotionally mature than I am now, I would have viewed this encounter as a personal attack on my character.  I do not buy into the hype that it is not what you say but how you say it.  These two things go hand in hand.  Your tone can sting just as much as the words you spit out.  I urge you to consider your statements carefully from now on.  Be mindful of whether or not your purpose for speaking is going to be uplifting or a hinderence to someone's growth.

During the conversation I tried to keep my composure and stay in my place.  Even though the conversation was about me, it was not about me personally.  It was more an attack on what I stood for.  Keep in mind that I am always about my Father's business.  In this encounter I represented change.  A change that would create harmony and unity for some and discontent for others.  Everyone does not receive change in the same manner.  Some need time to process it, some are eager to jump on board, while others are resistant.  I have learned that their resistance is a fear of the unknown.  It is a fear that their complacency will no longer hide their shortcomings.

In that conversation, I represented a new journey into uncharted territory.  Faith and fear do not mix.  Yes this is a new course, but your captain is at the wheel.  His first mate is manning the sails and His deck hand is on guard to block the enemies.  Their names, you ask, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (never leave home with out them).  I serve an awesome, true, and living God.  The stones they tried to throw at me were blocked. Today, I do not have a scratch on my body.  My spiritual maturity has helped me become more emotionally stable. The spirit of discernment is helping me to look at a situation objectively. I am stronger because my God is my strength and my redeemer.

I left there baffled by the rebellious spirit that they allowed to wander in.  It could not stay too long because God's people were on the move.  They worked to expose it to all and shut it down, but not before it stirred up doubt and fear.  How can you say you love God, but you doubt the work of His Shepard's?  How can you say you trust God, but you resist walking the course He has placed you on?  How can you truly say you believe in Him, if you question His authority with every statement.

 I pray for those people as often as I can.  I pray God will have mercy on them.  I thank God for the ones who stood in respect of God and tried to bring peace and clarity.  Dear stones, I see you and I am not worried about you because I know that God is my shield and fortress.  I know that God will never put more on me than I can bear.  That day I bared a lot, but Jesus Christ bared it all on Calvary.