Do you want to handle it, or do you want me to handle it?
I had an idea for a project that I truly hoped would bless my church family, especially the sweet women of our congregation. In my usual way of giving everything my absolute all, I went completely above and beyond. My heart’s deepest desire was simply for them to feel loved and cared for. After finishing the project, I felt such a gentle peace and joy, believing in my heart that it pleased the Lord. I went home that night looking forward to the beautiful fellowship waiting for us the next day.
Worship service that Sunday was absolutely amazing, and the Lord met us there so beautifully with a powerful word from my Pastor. Afterward, filled with excitement, we walked over to the fellowship area to see the women enjoying everything that had been set up. There was just one tiny hiccup, which I was able to quickly resolve. The rest of the day was filled with warm hugs, sweet kisses, wonderful food, and precious fellowship. I went home with a full heart.
Days later, however, I learned that I had been the subject of a very painful conversation. Someone was deeply upset with me because they felt left out, and I was told that some really unkind things were said about me. It felt as though the very life was sucked right out of my spirit. My immediate, human reaction was to call them right away. I grabbed my phone, but just as I did, the Holy Spirit whispered to my heart: “Do you want to handle it, or do you want me to handle it?”
Those tender words stopped me right in my tracks. I paused, put my phone down, and fell to my knees. In my prayer, I cried out to the Lord with tears streaming down my face. I asked Him how something meant to be an absolute blessing could turn into something so heavy and hurtful. I felt completely crushed.
But as I poured out my heart in prayer, His comfort began to wash over me. I asked Him to help me genuinely forgive and truly let it go. You see, in the Bible study class that I have the privilege to teach, we had just recently studied loving our enemies and praying for those who spitefully use us. I had just taught those very words, and now, sweet friends, the Lord was gently challenging me to live out what I had preached. (Matthew 5:11-12)
So, I surrendered it. I gave it to God.
Yet, even in giving it to Him, I noticed I was still quietly building walls around my heart. I found myself making resolutions, whispering things like, “I bet I will never do something like this again,” or “That’s it, they won’t have to worry about me helping out anymore.” But the Holy Spirit, in His infinite gentleness, began ministering to me again, showing me that holding onto those protective walls wasn’t truly letting go or trusting Him. As I stayed close to His Word and remained in prayer, the Lord tenderly healed my wounded heart and helped me to completely release it. He enabled me to move forward without anger or a grudge. In fact, a few weeks later, the very person who had made the majority of the painful comments came up and gave me a beautiful compliment.
Through this gentle processing, the Lord reminded me of two deeply important things:
First, He reminded me to always care more about pleasing God than pleasing people. The same crowd that praised Jesus one moment crying “Hosanna!” was the very same crowd that turned and shouted “Crucify Him!” just days later. (John 12:13, John 19:15)
Second, the Holy Spirit reminded me to keep my motives completely pure in everything I do, whispering the truth of Scripture to my soul: “Do nothing through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” (Philippians 2:3)
Friends, I thank God so deeply for His goodness and for the precious Holy Spirit who walks beside me every single day. It is truly in Him that I live, move, and have my being. (Acts 17:28) It is my heart’s deepest prayer never to do anything that would bring hurt to His ministry or reproach to His Holy name.
Will you join me in that commitment today? Will you commit to loving God and keeping His commandments, even when it is heavy, even when it hurts, and even when it doesn’t feel good? Precious ones, I promise you it is so worth it. It makes our walking journey with Him so incredibly sweet—a sweetness that I pray your heart will fully partake in today.
For His Glory,
Tahnee
