The Struggle is Real
From Nancy White: This week’s guest blogger is my sister by DNA and sister in Christ, an awesome example and mentor to me, Karen Weese.
The struggle is real ladies. Well, at least it is for me. Do I want to be part of the problem or part of the solution? This is a question I have been contemplating for the last few weeks and in a couple of different situations, but the mostly in my attitude dealing with people.
Sometimes folks can be just down right grouchy and mean. Sometimes in situations I may feel like I am the only one who is trying. Humanly speaking, being part of the problem seems like the easier way to go. After all, I would just be doing what the other folks are doing, right? And in some of these situations, these “other folks” are Christians, so it must be okay. But, is it right just because other Christians are doing it? How am I helping when I am ugly, hateful or indifferent? If am just being part of the problem, nothing is getting solved.
Thinking, studying and praying for answers, God has shown me what I really already knew. I guess I just needed a little push. Satan is seeking to destroy us and our relationships. I Peter 5:8 – Be sober, be vigilant because your adversary the devil as a roaring lion walks about seeking who he may devour. He knows what “pushes our buttons” and he has a plan that is tailor-made for each of us to distract us from what God has told us to do. When I acknowledge that I am fighting against Satan and his control on this world and my life, it helps me to put things in perspective when dealing with others.
I work with lady who always has a smile on her face and a kind word. I have seen this lady deal with upset, mean, unkind and impatient people. But what I have never seen is her reciprocate these behaviors. And not only does she sometimes have to deal with some stressful situations at work, but she also has some difficult situations at home. She has adult children and grandchildren living with her, and she lost a child in an accident. Her husband lost his job and has had a very difficult time finding another one. But she still comes to work every day and chooses to be part of the solution. I think of the scripture in Phil. 4:13 –I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, when I see her. What a wonderful example of God’s peace and love in action.
It seemed like when I prayed for peace, I would get more stress. It was kind of eye opening to me to realize that peace is not something that happens to me. It is not a life that never has bumps in the road. Peace is not about perfect relationships. Peace is something that I must choose. It is an action on my part despite whatever else is going on around me. Ps. 119:165 - Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
Being part of the solution is the only way I, as a Christian, should respond. I can’t sit still and try to work up peace, faith, love, and obedience. I need to step out and live it. I am an over comer. I’m choosing to be part of the solution not part of the problem.
Yes, the struggle is real. I must struggle against reacting in kind and, instead, I must respond in a Godly, Christian manner. I have the armor of God (Ephesians 6). I will put on the “shoes of peace” and take up the “shield of faith” and I will choose to move forward to be part of the solution.
Karen Weese lives in Big Sandy, Texas, with her husband Wayne. They have four children and eight grandchildren.