I've posted a bit about the bathroom fiasco that we have gone through over the last few months. The job was not well done and we have been very dissatisfied with the finished project. I've probably complained or vented to anyone who listened. And I am still finding new spots of "not done so well." And each time I do I get peaved again. The Lord does correct me, telling me I need to pray for the people who did this job.
Well, as happens quite often, God spoke through Joyce M this morning on my walk. Joyce spoke about a time in her ministry where someone broke a contract with them. Needless to say she was quite upset about it. But the Lord spoke to her and told her to give it over to Him as a seed, an offering. Wow. God went straight to my heart with that one.
I was convicted to let go of my anger and resentment at the bathroom renovaters. I was to sow forgiveness and mercy as seeds to the Lord. We've played around in our discussions about going to small claims court. We've spoken to and have been promised by (but I doubt it will happen) the owner of this company about giving us money back to repair some of the mistakes they made. But I really feel the Lord is telling me it's time to let this go as an offering to Him.
The Lord is a God of justice. And He will get justice for His people. Psalm 9:16 The Lord is known for his justice. The wicked are trapped by their own deeds. Psalm 36:10 Pour out your unfailing love on those who love you; give justice to those with honest hearts. Isaiah 42:3 He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. He will bring justice to all who have been wronged. Isaiah 61:8 “For I, the Lord, love justice. I hate robbery and wrongdoing. I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering and make an everlasting covenant with them.
It's not my job to "make others pay." It's not my job to curse others or wish them ill. God's children are called to be peacemakers. Matthew 5:9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. James 3:18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.
Would we be within our rights to seek justice through the courts? Yes. But I do not believe that would be sowing seeds of peace. I believe that would be taking matters into my own hands. And that would be leaving God out of the picture.
As for Joyce's problem above, it worked out better for the ministry than they would have ever thought possible. Instead of being heard once away on a radio station, God made it so they would be heard every day! His justice was betten than they could have imagined.
Where have you been treated unfairly? When has someone done you wrong that you continue to hold onto? Does unforgiveness and bitterness lurk in your heart? Let it go. Give it to our Father as a seed for Him to grow in your life. And leave the harvest up to Him. Let His justice prevail and walk your road in peace and joy instead of anger and resentment. Remember, Jesus told us in Matthew 5:44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!
Lord, let us not walk in unforgiveness towards those who did us wrong. It's so hard not to complain and rehash those wrongs over and over. To let resentment build. Help us to walk in love instead of anger or hate. We leave them in Your hands. You will handle it. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Search your heart today.
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