Sunday we celebrated our Easter God, but on Monday we still live between the now and not yet, between Easter and Jesus’ return, in a world still filled with pain and pride and power struggles. We all do our best to follow Jesus, but we lurch and stumble along like toddlers, falling into the mud every few steps, lifting our arms for Jesus to pick us up and dust us off once again.
John and I have been increasingly heartsick over the past few weeks. We are trying to love and support a group of good friends and colleagues who are in the muck and mire of a very public ministry mess. They are all gifted, kingdom-minded leaders who I trust are each doing their best to respond as accusations are leveled and the media spins sensational headlines.
Maybe you have been in a similar situation, caught between friends who are divorcing, or in the middle of some drama at work, or conflict at your church. Or maybe you’re the one who’s in the mud wondering “What happened?”
As we grieve each day, and exchange notes and calls of support for all involved, I ask over and over, “What do I know to do and not do? What is my role?”
I don’t understand. I don’t have answers, but here’s what I believe God may be trying to teach me:
- Pray, pray, and pray some more. I am praying fervently for each person involved. This is drawing me closer to God, the only One who knows all hearts and the only One who can bring truth, justice, and reconciliation. Only God can reveal, redeem, restore. I am praying more than ever, for a hurting church, longing for understanding and God’s intervention.
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thes. 5;17
2. You worry about you. What are we not to do? Ignore, gossip, judge, take sides… Our only job is to take responsibility for our actions and love everyone always. Are my words and actions life-giving in this situation? Am I asking questions instead of giving answers?
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6
3. Examine your heart. The verse that keeps coming to mind is “The heart is deceitful above all things.” My heart. Your heart. My friends’ hearts. Lately my prayer has been “Lord show me MY blindspots. Show me if I have unaddressed sin. Show me if I have caused pain inadvertently and give me the courage to respond with humility and contrition.”
Who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Psalm 19:12
4. Pay attention and learn. Satan is crafty beyond belief. Never, in a million years could we have imagined the scenario our friends are in. We are not to live in fear of Satan, but as wise followers of Jesus who have an enemy determined to thwart His work in the world. We need to be aware and prepared.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lionlooking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
5. Humble yourself. Each of us must come to the Lord and each other with a posture of total humility, and a desire to question for greater understanding, treating everyone with love and respect.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselveswith compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:12-13
Friends, we are all such messes. We all have so much stuff that needs forgiveness. Where would we be without an Easter God who knows us and loves us still, sending Jesus to die for our sins?
Lord, make me know Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Make me walk in Your truth, and teach me: for you are God my savior. Psalm 25:4-5
The whole of Psalm 25 seems to be a good prayer for these days.
Wise words and good reminder, Laura. Thank you.
Thanks Mike! We’re all in this together, trying to cooperate with God’s work in and around us, right?
Thanks for your wisdom, Laura.
The longer along my life I am, the greater my awareness of how incredibly generous with grace God has been with me. Laura, I love your reminder for us to be called to prayer whenever another is broken in sin. Aren’t we all? This is the most generous and powerful way to praise God for his strength and wisdom; especially when seeking it for the one in need of God’s tender mercy, forgiveness and protection. I join you in praying for your friend – anonymous only to me but never to God.
Thank you so much dear friend! Grateful for the Body and expecting good things!