Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change

by Paul David Tripp

Recognizing Entry Gates How can you recognize the entry gates God sends your way? Listen with purpose. Focus on the person in the middle of the problem. As she tells her story, it will come out as a chaotic mix of the present, the past, emotions, and personal interpretations. Train yourself to listen for four things that will show you where the person is struggling. 1. Listen for emotional words. (“I’m angry.” “I’m afraid.” “I can’t stop crying.”) 2. Listen for interpretive words. (“This shouldn’t happen.” “I guess I’m getting what I deserve.” “I wonder if it’s even worth getting up in the morning.”) 3. Listen for self talk. (“I am such a failure.” “This always happens to me.” “I don’t have what it takes to face this.”) 4. Listen for God talk. (“I thought I was doing what God wanted.” “He simply doesn’t hear my prayers.” “How could God let this happen to me?”) Remember, your focus should be on the person and what she is struggling with at that moment. As you listen for the four things listed above, look for a theme (anger, fear, guilt, hopelessness) to emerge. Then grab hold of that theme, meet the person in the midst of that struggle, and incarnate the loving Lord she may be unable to see. We know that God has not given up on the person, gone home, or gotten busy helping others. But the dark clouds of circumstances can blind a person to the God who is there and active. God is her only source of hope as she faces a situation that is out of her control.