Climbing Offense

God's timing is so perfect! His love is so amazing! If I were Him, I would have given up on me a long time ago, but He is always faithful! I can't help but praise and thank Him for His wonderful grace and mercy! THANK YOU LORD!!!

Recently I found myself struggling with an offense. Toward who and regarding what, it doesn't matter. I was just having a hard time. I guess you could say, I was climbing offense and finding it very difficult to get over. :o) Know what I mean??? Well, allow me to elaborate and I'm sure you'll be able to relate. After all, I think it's part of our human condition to have our feathers ruffled, right? lol

It seemed that each day I'd find the peace I needed to get a grip and then someone or something would come along and tear it away! This was definitely one of those days and I knew there was only one thing to do...Pray...but I was surrounded by people! When and how was I going to get alone with God? I had to keep my cool and wait to act until I had some direction from God. All the while, my flesh and the Holy Spirit were having a tug-o-war! My flesh was dieing to get even and the Holy Spirit was challenging me to overlook the offense! Then, as if for confirmation, He sent along some friends to share this verse with me, JUST when I needed it...

"A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense." Proverbs 19:11

At the time I was too consumed with my problem to really process what they were talking about in relation to myself. But I'm so glad they planted the seed! Because the Lord used it to carry me through that moment and each moment after, until I could get alone with Him!

Now, I don't know about you, but God seems to teach me in themes and the current theme is humility. Over and over again, He has shown me just how arrogant and self-centered I am. And, just as He always does, after having spent some time in prayer about the situation, He showed me my arrogance and self-centeredness.

This is what came to me after my time in prayer:

The only one who benefits from an offense is Satan, and I definitely don't want to lend him a hand! I need to remember Whose I am. I am a servant of the Most High God! I shouldn't waste my time demanding my "rights" because I don't have any! Besides, being offended is a waste of time. I have much better things to do! It is God's place to judge, not mine. (How fortunate for the rest of the world! lol) So, I must leave the judgement to Him because I know He will do what is right!

Suddenly, when I realized who was really behind the offense, it became insignificant. And, just as suddenly, when I was reminded of my place in God's great mercy and grace, my patience was restored. He has since shown me how to get over this offense. I don't have to climb it! I just have to take a step of faith, forward, trusting Him with the rest.

One more thing I'd like to say here, for my own future reference...

Humility would be much more easily achieved if I would sincerely pursue it, if I would wholeheartedly participate in the process that God is using to mold me into the image of His Son. I need to put my pride aside and figure out what it is that He wants me to learn through each lesson, right from the start. (I realize this is easier said than done, that is why I'm hoping this reminder will help! :o)

In closing, I'd like to share one of my favorite verses that has also become my prayer in Psalm 26:2-3...

Test me, O Lord, and try me. Examine my heart and my mind; for Your love is ever before me,
and I desire to walk continually in Your truth.