Lyli Dunbar's Blog, page 22
September 8, 2017
When God is in the Midst
On Saturday, I bounced out of bed and danced around the bedroom as I prepared for a fabulous post-birthday breakfast with two of my bestest friends. I was singing a happy tune when my phone suddenly started dinging. I glanced down and deflated immediately. I called out to Bruce, and I fought back tears as I handed him my phone. He ingested the gut wrenching news, and then we stood in my bathroom and clung to each other crying. We looked up to heaven and prayed for a miracle.
I walked around in a fog for a few minutes, but before I could find solid footing, another text message followed.
He is with Jesus now.
I wanted to rejoice. Really, I did. I mean, my mind understood he was miraculously healed beyond what I could perceive. But, all I could picture was a grieving young woman and her three baby girls left without a warrior to protect them.
Oh, Lord, why?
I spent most of my weekend wrestling with fear. It was almost 1 AM when I sat up in bed as Bruce peacefully snored beside me and finally opened up my Bible to work through these feelings.
The passage before me was my daily reading in Psalm 46, and I decided to pray these Scriptures over a new single mom and her three loves. I started at verse 1:
Lord, be her refuge and strength today, a very present help in trouble.
Father, help her not to fear — even though the earth is crumbling around her, and that mountain of a man is gone away.
Be an overflowing source of refreshment in her life. May she feel your joy flowing through her day even now.
When I got to verse five, God and I had a moment. I am quite sure I’ve read Psalm 46 hundreds of times since I first cracked open a Bible in 1979, but this time, Psalm 46 came alive in a fresh way:
God is in the midst of her. She shall not be moved.
The Spirit of God told me this sweet sister would be just fine. But, I heard Him whisper to me as well: “This one’s for you, too. Hold on to it.”
You see, I live in Florida. So, just 3 days after I sat up in bed reading Psalm 46, we started shuttering our house to create a safe haven from a monstrous hurricane headed our way.
All week long, I’ve heard the Holy Spirit whisper sweetly:
I am in your midst. You will not be shaken.
Tonight, as I watched the 11 PM advisory, I learned we will start feeling the impact of hurricane force winds at 5 AM on Sunday. But, I don’t need to fear.
Hear the Word of the Lord to Lyli: “God shall help her just at the break of dawn.”
I looked up what time sunrise will be on Sunday, and I discovered that twilight is at 5:46 AM, but sunrise isn’t until 7:04. I did a little reading and learned that twilight is the intermediary waiting time between light and dark. It’s neither day nor night.
My friend Marisol first pointed out the beauty of this season of waiting years ago one day as we drove home together: “I love looking at the pretty pink sky.” Marisol is a noticer, and she helped me to stop and see.
Much of my faith is lived in the diffused light of shadow. My faith is not fully made sight, but there is beauty to be discovered if I am willing to looking for it.
I don’t know what storm you may be facing today, friend. Maybe you are in the midst of the raging winds of adversity, or perhaps you are standing in the shadows wondering when the light will fully shine again.
Wherever you are, God is with you. He whispers peace. He will provide what you need for today. Trust Him.
The refuge of God’s presence provides peace within in the midst of the raging storm without.
God’s presence provides peace within in the midst of the raging storm without.
Click To Tweet
Are you ready to fire up your faith?
Join the Wildfire Faith Community and get weekly #FaithFuel in your inbox. You’ll receive “4 Surefire Ways to Ignite Your Faith” as my gift to you.
Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box. 
September 3, 2017
An Appointed Advocate
As a kid, I spent hours in the yard re-enacting television shows with the kids in the neighborhood. Most of the time, we created our very own “cop show.” My friend would be Cagney, and I would be Lacey, or we’d flip a coin to decide who got to play Jill Munroe and Kelly Garrett on Charlie’s Angels. No one ever wanted to play Sabrina Duncan. Once the roles were decided, the arrests began. We’d never actually seen anyone handcuffed and read their Miranda rights in real life, but we knew the drill: “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in the court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you can’t afford one, a public defender will be appointed for you.”
If you were playing the “bad guy” for that day’s drama, you kept your mouth shut. Trying to defend yourself would only lead to your demise.
In Romans 8, Paul is creating a re-enactment of a courtroom drama for us. We are the criminals, and the Judge is Christ. However, we don’t need to defend ourselves because the Judge Himself is going to come down and stand in our defense. The restitution for our sin has already been paid in full at the cross. Our guilt is completely removed.
God will never condemn those who have put their faith in Christ. Those who look to the cross for forgiveness of sin are declared forever innocent. Our Defender defeated death itself and is seated at the right hand of God continually pleading our case. The enemy of our souls wants to keep us in bondage to self-condemnation and shame, but Christ answers every accusation against us.
At this moment in heaven, Jesus is actively interceding on your behalf. The next time your accuser tries to condemn you, remember you have an appointed Advocate who rises to your defense and has secured your freedom.
Let’s Talk: Picture Jesus whispering your name in God’s ear as He sits on the throne. How does that comfort you today?
JOIN THE WILDFIRE FAITH COMMUNITY TO RECEIVE FAITH FUEL IN YOUR INBOX.
YOU’LL GET A FREE COPY OF “4 SUREFIRE WAYS TO IGNITE YOUR FAITH.”
I am sharing “Keep Hope Alive” and joining like-minded sisters at Faith-Filled Friday, Fresh Market Friday, Blessing Counters, Dance with Jesus, Salt and Light, Heart Encouragement Thursday, Tune in Thursday, Chasing Community, Tell His Story, Coffee for Your Heart, Porch Stories, Purposeful Faith’s RaRaLinkup, Rich-Faith Rising, Testimony Tuesday, Tuesday Talk, Trekking Thru the Week, and Dream Together, Moments of Hope.
“An Appointed Advocate” was originally published at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale’s Daily Devo.
The post An Appointed Advocate appeared first on Lyli Dunbar.
September 1, 2017
5 Lessons Learned Upon Turning 50
I am now half a century old. Pass the chocolate.
I got an AARP card in the mail a few days ago, and I almost fainted. I promise I was fifteen just yesterday.
Thankfully, my fabulous friends helped remind me that greater things are yet to come. (I’ve got the best friends).
So, just in case you are turning 50 any time soon, I wanted to share 5 reasons why you should celebrate. (If you aren’t turning 50, just save this post for future reference. You will wake up older and wiser sooner than you think.) .
5 Lessons Learned Upon Turning 50
You Can Have Your Cake and Eat it, Too
Isn’t my cake fabulous? My best friend designed it, and our friend Cassie (who is brilliantly gifted) created it. The cake was so pretty we almost didn’t want to eat it. But, cakes are meant to be eaten, so we picked up our forks and sweetened up our palates.
I am reminded that God gives us abundant sweet gifts, but we must “open our mouth and taste” and fully receive His delights. Gobble up, girls.
Time and Patience Pave the Road to Success
My wise accountability partner, Brenda, brought me a visual reminder to place on my desk to help me stay the course. With God’s help, we will keep plugging along with grit and grace until we reach the other side.
Sharing Your Hard Story Can Help a Sister Heal
Madelyn found great wisdom in the pages of this book and encouraged me to read and then “pass it on.” If you hoard your story and keep it a secret, someone will miss out the miracle.
An Authentic Life is an Inspiration
Kathy’s card was my favorite. I placed it on my desk as a reminder to “take off my mask” because the real Velveteen Lyli is much prettier than Pinterest perfect and pristine.
[image error]
The Darker the Day, the Stronger We Must Shine
There are still pages to be written in my story, but I must turn the page. My job is to let my little light shine — to “be generous with my life.”
[image error]
We can face the future without fear for God’s fingerprints will fill up every page.
We can face the future without fear for God’s fingerprints will fill up every page.
Click To Tweet
Are you ready to fire up your faith?
Join the Wildfire Faith Community and get weekly #FaithFuel in your inbox. You’ll receive “4 Surefire Ways to Ignite Your Faith” as my gift to you.
Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
August 24, 2017
How to Find Hope in the Waiting
This morning I wore a pastel pink dress to brighten up my day and drive away the gloomy fog covering my heart.
I’m currently drowning in a deluge — and I am not just talking about a little rain. Some days, I feel like a permanent monsoon has parked itself over my family.
As I drove to work, I looked up to the heavens and tried to see God’s grace peeking through the storm clouds, but the sky was a thick gray blanket. I felt an irresistible urge to turn the car around, drive back home, and crawl under the covers.
God, where are You? Where is my sunshine?
I drove on for several miles in the same direction wearing a frowny face and watching the windshield wipers swish back and forth.
But then the turnpike veered to the right, and I was repositioned in a new direction. All around me a crisp blue sky was inviting me to step into a new day filled with promise.
Just like that. I kept driving, and sunshine filled my view.
My heart grew warm, and I clearly heard God gently whisper: Just stay on the road, you will turn the corner soon.
Is it storming at your house right now? Perhaps like me you are tired of the torrent and long for God to transform the atmosphere. Today God reminded me rain is just passing through. We can find hope in the waiting as we worship the Lord of the wind and rain.
We can find hope in the waiting as we worship the Lord of the wind and rain.
Click To Tweet
How to Find Hope in the Waiting
Cry Out for Wisdom
Prayer is a girl’s best friend during dark times. When you are waiting and seeking on your knees, God gives you a fresh perspective on how small you are and how great He is.
“O Lord, help me understand my mortality and the brevity of life! Let me realize how quickly my life will pass! Look, you make my days short-lived,
and my life span is nothing from your perspective. Surely all people, even those who seem secure, are nothing but vapor. Surely people go through life as mere ghosts. Surely they accumulate worthless wealth without knowing who will eventually haul it away.” But now, O Lord, upon what am I relying? You are my only hope! (Psalm 39:4-7, NET)
Feed on God’s Faithfulness
In a season of emptiness, fill yourself up with His fullness. Make your aim to please Him, and He will settle you and strengthen you.
“Trust — lean on, rely on, and be confident — in the Lord and do good; so shall you dwell in the land and feed surely on His faithfulness, and truly you shall be fed. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord — roll and repose each care of your load on Him; trust — lean on, rely on, and be confident — also in Him and He will bring it to pass. And He will make your uprightness and right standing with God go forth as the light, and your justice and right as the shining sun of the noonday. Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him and patiently lean yourself upon Him; fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass. (Psalm 37:4-7, AMPC)
Make a Joyful Noise
Your enemy wants you to think you are trapped, but you are a soul set free. Darkness dispels as we sing our Deliverer’s praises. God doesn’t care if you can’t carry a tune — you sacrificial worship is always sweet music to your Savior.
“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.” (Psalm 40:1-3, NLT)
Quiet Your Heart
The world around you may be shaking, but you are standing on His rock solid strength. Set aside a few minutes every day to be still and know that He is still God.
“Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:5-8, NLT)
Hold on to the hope of heaven and the waiting will be a witness to the watching world.
Hold on to the hope of heaven, and the waiting will be a witness to the watching world.
Click To Tweet
Are you ready to fire up your faith?
Join the Wildfire Faith Community and get weekly #FaithFuel in your inbox. You’ll receive “4 Surefire Ways to Ignite Your Faith” as my gift to you.
Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
August 20, 2017
How to Stay Mission Minded in a World Gone Mad
Is it just me to has the world gone a little mad this week? I’ve spent way too much time watching 24-hour news and scrolling through angry facebook posts, and all I want to do is have a good cry. How am I supposed to share the Gospel in this upside-down world where no one gets along?
This morning during my quiet time, I woke up remembered that there is nothing new under the sun. The Apostle Paul lived in violent times too, and he managed to press through the pandemonium to preach the Gospel and write half the New Testament. I need to put my big girl pants on and stop whining.
Paul stayed on mission. Wherever he was, in whatever environment, he determined to rise above the chaos to proclaim the Good News.
Let’s remember that Paul lived during crazy times – much more crazy than today. Paul stayed on mission with a mad man sitting on the Emperor’s throne. In AD 64, Nero burned down half of Rome, deflected the blame by targeting Christians, and burned many alive in retribution. During this time, Paul continued sharing the gospel while under house arrest. He lead countless lost souls to the saving knowledge of Jesus and wrote Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon while in captivity.
I found myself wishing I could sit down and have a heart to heart chat with Paul about how he would handle crazy weeks like this one. I went digging into the wisdom he shared with Timothy and found a little encouragement…
I’m over at Missional Women today sharing how maybe a world gone mad is the crucible where we are called to make Jesus known.
To read the rest of this post, join me here.
The post How to Stay Mission Minded in a World Gone Mad appeared first on Lyli Dunbar.
August 18, 2017
How to Respond to a Hater
I am tired of haters. Watching a group of Americans stand united to promote discord and bigotry is revolting.
We are all created in the image of a holy God. We all bleed red. We are all sinners in need of a Savior.
Pride and animosity are tools of the enemy birthed in the pit of hell to keep us captive to our sin and brokenness.
It pains me deeply that the stain of bigotry still blackens the hearts of so many of my neighbors and continues to bludgeon those who’ve experienced malevolence for hundreds of years.
We should celebrate the beauty of God’s creation, rather than cry for cookie cutter commonality.
Celebrate the beauty of God’s creation, rather than cry for cookie cutter commonality.
Click To Tweet
How do I respond to vitriol and vindictiveness? All week long, I’ve wanted to curl up in the fetal position and cry “Jesus, fix this.” But He reminded me how He already laid down His life to overcome this hellishness.
We don’t need to preserve monuments or more marches. We need transformation. We need the Holy Spirit to do surgery in our stony hearts.
Only a supernatural work of God’s redemption can right the wrong we’ve created.
As I pressed in to Jesus this week for comfort and clarity, He reminded me how He experienced bigotry and hostility. He understands and offers hope to the hurting today. Jesus defied hatred to defeat hell.
The Savior who loves us and laid down His life for sinners is not surprised by hatred. He knew we’d experience this evil, and He provided a primer to show us how to defeat the enemy.
How to Respond to a Hater
Exercise discernment
Wisdom teaches us when to speak and when to stay silent. Our job is to continue extending grace, promoting peace and putting God’s Word into practice.
“Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16, NLT)
Follow the Spirit’s Leading
Don’t worry about how you will frame your response. The Spirit of the Resurrected Christ lives in you and will teach You what to say.
“When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Matthew 10:19-20).
Refuse to Quit
Put perseverance into practice. Rather than rant and rave, rehearse God’s promises.
“And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22)
Fear God Above All
Run toward righteousness and reverence your Redeemer. The world will witness your worship and see the wonder of God.
“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)
Confess Christ
Acknowledge your total allegiance to the Savior. Use every opportunity to declare the Good News that Jesus gave His all to save us from our sins.
‘Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32, NKJV)
Surrender Selfishness
Die daily to your flesh. Crucify every carnal inclination.
“If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine.” (Matthew 10:38, NLT)
Find small ways to Serve
Wash the feet of a hurting hater, and you may just help heal an open wound. Hospitality often turns foes into friends.
“And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” (Matthew 10:42)
The love of Christ trumps hate and transforms hearts.
The love of Christ trumps hate and transforms hearts.
Click To Tweet
Are you ready to fire up your faith?
Join the Wildfire Faith Community and get weekly #FaithFuel in your inbox. You’ll receive “4 Surefire Ways to Ignite Your Faith” as my gift to you.
Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
August 14, 2017
4 Steps to Sharing Your Testimony
[image error]
I looked at the to-do list in front of me and one item jumped off the page and gave me the jitters. I’d signed up for a short-term missions trip to Cuzco, Peru, and I was sitting at my first team meeting with a group of total strangers. As my team leader read through the weekly assignments, I nodded my head in agreement.
Buy a light duffel bag. Done.
Update your passport. Already done.
Send out a prayer letter to supporters. Working on that.
Write out and memorize your 5-minute testimony and prepare to share it next week with your team.
Seriously? How am I supposed to explain how Jesus has changed my life in less than an hour? I mean, I could write a whole book about how Jesus has changed my life. And, who are these people in this room? Is this a safe place to share my story?
I left that night wrestling with doubts and fears, but I knew God wanted me to go on this trip. He had confirmed it in so many ways! So, I worked up some courage and wrote out my testimony.
Can I tell you how thankful I am for that exercise? Narrowing down my conversion experience into a concise story and practicing sharing it with my new friends helped me lose the nervousness I’d always experienced when the opportunity arose to share Jesus with people in my everyday life.
Here’s what I learned: If you want to tell other people about Jesus, you need to prepare in advance.
Maybe like me you feel tongue-tied whenever the opportunity arises to share your faith. I want to share 4 simple steps to help you as you work on creating your personal testimony. Are you interested?
Great, let’s get started.
I’m sharing 4 Steps to Sharing Your Testimony at Missional Women.
To read the rest of this post, join me here.
The post 4 Steps to Sharing Your Testimony appeared first on Lyli Dunbar.
August 11, 2017
How to Find Shelter When Life Rains on Your Parade
This morning, I had sunshine in my soul. Yes, it was a little rainy, but I was not about to let an overcast day overshadow my joy. Nothing would rain on my parade today. I got up early for once and actually left for work right on time. Yes!
Take that, snooze button. You don’t own me. Nothing is going to rain on my parade today. That’s right.
Nothing that is until I slid into the parking space at work and got into a wrestling match with my rain coat and umbrella. Suddenly, I was hot and bothered.
I went from victory dance to disturbed in about a minute.
I grumbled out of the car and scrambled to find shelter as the rain pelted down and washed away my optimism.
Huddled under the liftgate at the rear of my minivan, I realized my flimsy rain gear would not protect me from the storm. I needed to take shelter under a solid roof. Rather than waiting out the storm, I decided to brave the elements.
I ended up all wet.
Once I was securely seated in my office and had dried off, God spoke to my heart. He reminded me of all the times I try to seek shelter from the storm by covering myself with whatever I can grab right in front of me.
When the winds and rain is plummeting down on my soul, I tend to create my own self-sufficient shelter using paper thin pride as the glue. I end up soaked in sin every time.
My efforts to save myself are flimsy and flawed. God alone is my rock and refuge.
Friend, you can find shelter when life rains on your parade. God is your safe haven in the midst of the storm. Just look up.
To find shelter when life rains on your parade, just look up. God is your safe haven.
Click To Tweet
4 Ways God Shelters You from the Storm
Solid Protection
God is a stronghold of defense for you when conditions are adverse. The warmth of His love will keep you secure during the coldest of storms.
The one true God acts in a faithful manner; the Lord’s promise is reliable; He is a shield to all who take shelter in him. Indeed, who is God besides the Lord? Who is a protector besides our God? (Psalm 18:30-31, NET)
Ample Space
God always gives you a firm place to stand so that you are not stuck in a quagmire. If you feel like you are drowning, just remember you have solid granite under your feet. You are free to move around and even dance in the midst of the storm — the ground underneath you will never give way. Move forward and remind yourself that storms are just passing through.
He’s solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, An impregnable castle: I’m set for life. (Psalm 62:2, MSG)
Fresh Wind
Keep your face pointed toward the renewing wind of the Spirit. Pray for a refreshing shower to blow through and re-energize your soul.
Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening? God doesn’t come and go. God lasts. He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out. He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind. (Isaiah 40:28-31, MSG
Satisfying Rest
Even when the storm is raging, you can experience sweet sleep. Just quiet your mind and listen for the sound of His glorious power rushing through. Let the rhythm of His creation birth a melody of hope in your heart. Your Mighty God is Lord of the wind and rain, and He will bring life and cultivate abundant fruit in the days to come.
I will fully satisfy the needs of those who are weary and fully refresh the souls of those who are faint. Then they will say, “Under these conditions I can enjoy sweet sleep when I wake up and look around.” (Jeremiah 31:25-26, NET)
The shelter of God’s grace will sustain you during the fiercest storm.
The shelter of God’s grace will sustain you during the fiercest storm.
Click To Tweet
[image error]
Are you ready to fire up your faith?
Join the Wildfire Faith Community and get weekly #FaithFuel in your inbox. You’ll receive “4 Surefire Ways to Ignite Your Faith” as my gift to you.
Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
August 7, 2017
4 Ways to Get on Mission in August
Hello, August!
Is it just me, or is 2017 flying by? I feel like summer just started yesterday, and it’s actually already half over. This year feels like it’s slipping through my fingers super fast.
Can you relate?
On August 1st, I turned the page to the new calendar month fresh with promise and decided I wanted to make the most of the weeks I have left. I want to squeeze more Jesus into my summer.
Want to join me? I’ve got some ideas to share with you.
4 Ways to Get on Mission in August
Host a prayer tea. Invite a few friends over, put a kettle on the stove, and warm up the atmosphere as you knit your hearts together through intercession. Fight on your knees for your family members who are lost.
Buy a card with a Scriptural promise on it and write a note to a loved one sharing how you are praying these words for them. Share how God loves them more than you do.
Fire up the grill and throw a BBQ for your neighbors. Prepare a few “conversation starters” on slips of paper with thought-provoking questions. Pass them out as you finish your meal and watch the Holy Spirit ignite some hearts.
Go live on Facebook and share a two-minute God story. What did you read this week in your Bible? How has God answered your prayer? What did you learn in church? I dare you to share it.
Summer is full of possibility. Let’s make every moment count for the Kingdom.
Bonus Content: I’m sharing 4 more practical ideas on sharing your faith at Missional Women.
The post 4 Ways to Get on Mission in August appeared first on Lyli Dunbar.
August 3, 2017
4 Ways to Love Pesky People
I felt slimed.
I had approached the conversation open, available and receptive. The cynical response I received weighed me down and covered me in shame.
I felt suffocated, and I started to backpedal immediately. I gave a lame excuse for my departure and bolted out the door.
Safely in the refuge of my car, I replayed the conversation on the drive home. My mental CD player was stuck in repeat mode, and I couldn’t find the rewind button.
“Don’t let people rent space in your head,” Bruce advised as I vented on the phone.
He was right. My mind was cluttered with condemnation, and I needed to re-program my thinking.
When I got home, I picked up my Bible and found a comfy chair by the window. I spent a few minutes in prayer and listened to worship music. I breathed in God’s grace and remembered I am loved, accepted, and fully forgiven.
Spending time with pesky people can suck the life out of you. Thankfully, I have a God who specializes in bringing life into dark spaces.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve prayed quite a bit about how to deal with the difficult people in my life, and I keep hearing the Holy Spirit say two words:
Love deep.
I am guessing you may have a prickly person in your life as well, and I want you to know I can relate! I am glad God gives us do-overs because I have failed to respond with love many times. But, each new day provides a fresh opportunity for me to love more like Jesus.
4 Ways to Love Pesky People
Listen
If you dig into the depths of a pesky person’s story, you will discover an underlying theme of brokenness. Sit quietly and allow them to pour out their pain. When you feel the need to offer platitudes, try to pray through instead.
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion…If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. (Proverbs 18:2 & 13, ESV)
Observe
The clamor that rises up from the heart of a difficult person is often really a cry for help. Look for ways to wash the dirty feet of a very discouraged individual.
Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. (I Peter 4:8-10, NLT)
Value
Each person displays a unique beauty that points to God. Consider what God is revealing to you about His character as you interact with someone very different from you.
Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! (Romans 12:15-16, NLT)
Encourage
Pray for God to help you respond with His grace in gritty conversations. Fling away pride and persevere in forgiveness.
…Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. (II Corinthians 13:11, NLT)
I’ve learned to pray and prepare when I am going to spend time with pesky people. I must suit up with armor on and fill up with the supernatural strength of a God who loves beyond measure.
Loving a pesky person is possible as you press into the power of Jesus.
Loving a pesky person is possible as you press into the power of Jesus.
Click To Tweet
Are you ready to fire up your faith?
Subscribe so that you don’t miss a thing, and you’ll receive “4 Surefire Ways to Ignite Your Faith” for free.
Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
