The Well
The Well |
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Connecting Hope to the Hurting | |
Monday
February 4, 2008
That's why I decided not to make another visit that could only be painful to
both of us. If by merely showing up I would put you in an embarrassingly painful
position, how would you then be free to cheer and refresh me?
That was my
reason for writing a letter instead of coming—so I wouldn't have to spend a
miserable time disappointing the very friends I had looked forward to cheering
me up. I was convinced at the time I wrote it that what was best for me was also
best for you. As it turned out, there was pain enough just in writing that
letter, more tears than ink on the parchment. But I didn't write it to cause
pain; I wrote it so you would know how much I care—oh, more than care—love
you!
Now, regarding the one who started all this—the person in question who
caused all this pain—I want you to know that I am not the one injured in this as
much as, with a few exceptions, all of you. So I don't want to come down too
hard. What the majority of you agreed to as punishment is punishment enough. Now
is the time to forgive this man and help him back on his feet. If all you do is
pour on the guilt, you could very well drown him in it. My counsel now is to
pour on the love.
The focus of my letter wasn't on punishing the offender but
on getting you to take responsibility for the health of the church. So if you
forgive him, I forgive him. Don't think I'm carrying around a list of personal
grudges. The fact is that I'm joining in with your forgiveness, as Christ is
with us, guiding us. After all, we don't want to unwittingly give Satan an
opening for yet more mischief—we're not oblivious to his sly ways!
1
Corinthians 2:1-11 (*Isaiah 64:4)
There are people who believe that God doesn't share His secrets. Well, I don't share my secrets either, or, if I do, it means I have an intimate trusting relationship with them, and know they will interpret my secrets to the best of their ability. Do you get the point? God wants a deep, intimate relationship with us so that He can share His secrets with us.
Wait a minute, let me take that back. Many of my heartfelt, most intimate, I guess you would call them "secrets" are published on the internet for the world to see. Why? Because I honestly and sincerely want anyone who has a problem in the areas where I have been wounded to learn from my pain. That may seem crazy to some people, but I truly believe it is the call of God on my life.
A few years back, I felt it was time to close the ministry down because the Guardian ad litem for Jessica's children thought I was crazy for some of the things on the website. It has caused problems for Jessica as well, but I just couldn't do it. Truth is truth. I have to do what God wants me to do — weak as I am, I am strong in God's power.
Paul wasn't a dynamic speaker, but look how God used him. He didn't depend on his power — he depended on the power of God and we still read his words today. What made the difference? He depended on God through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Are you at a place where you really want to know the heart of God about a situation? Well, be still and know that He is God and He will reveal exactly what you need to know in the moment when you are closest to Him!
Father, I stand amazed that You are willing to be intimate with us. You are so holy and we are as filthy rages — yet — you love us completely! Now, Lord, reveal to us what will please You today and accept the sacrifice of our praise as we do our best to honor You and carry forth Your Word!
