Being so strong in my faith and putting the fist down hard, I feel I did not help others come to Christ but pushed some away! I had to learn to tame my excitement and express His Love in a calmer way.
That being said, I was not going to waiver away from His truth. I just had to learn to express myself better. God says to be a good listener and I had to work on that. Any conversation that came up, oh I was ready!
He says in James 1:19 to be quick to listen and slow to speak! I have a tendency, especially in an argument with my hubby (which is very seldom) to not completely listen before I start in. Over the years, I’ve gotten better, but still have to work on that. And that’s ok! I recognize my fault and that is being convicted in Christ.
I think what helped me the most was our preacher Roger in one of his sermons. He said to remember where you came from. I do remember not being heard and I have to step back and think of those thoughts and feelings I once had and know that is where some are now.
I also thought about how there was a connection that God and I had from way back. There are many who don’t or didn’t have that! My empathy levels kicked in. I guess my excitement to many was felt as if I was downing them.
God says to be a good example and as I grew, as I grow, I am learning. It takes a lifetime of learning and that is ok. That path we are on has a start and a finish but not everyone can be on the same spot.
Some days I feel closer to Jesus than other days. Sometimes we can all get so busy with life here that we neglect His presence. But we have to remember that He doesn’t neglect us. He says in Matthew 28:20 that He is with us to the end of age.
He also says in Isaiah 41:10 that, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” In Hebrews 13:5-6 He says, “Keep your life free from money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?””
As long as our focus is on Jesus and getting to Heaven, we have nothing to fear when we are faced with everyday circumstances and life. I can worry about making others mad about what His Word says, but I have to continually remind myself that my life and helping others is not about me. Everything I say and do should be about Him.
I can worry about bills getting paid, how much money we need for this or that, or do I look good enough for society? Did I say something that now I need to go back and explain? What are people thinking of me? Honestly, the only one we should be concerned with how we behave or what they see in us is Jesus.
Our hearts are what He wants and sees. Our intentions toward others may be too strong or not strong enough in some cases, but I and everyone should remember that this world is about Him and not ourselves! He knows each one of us and calls us by name!
