The Weekly Encourager - May 19, 2010 - I Passed a Test!

I passed a test!  Continuing in a challenging business situation, and knowing another encounter was coming up, I asked family and friends to pray for wisdom and wise words in dealing with this person who really makes my blood boil.  I praise God that He is a God who not only hears our prayers, but answers our prayers!  What an unspeakable privilege that the great and mighty Ruler of the Universe listens to us! 

The Lord allowed my family to be an encouragement to me.  When I told them of the most recent phone call, they affirmed that it was OK for me to hang up on an abusive person. (I had hung up on her the previous day - which really shook me.  I've only done that about three times in my entire life!)  Dave started researching the slander and defamation laws and asked the person to cease.  My knight!  Rob's validation that it was OK to hang up on her was especially meaningful, since he is unfailingly polite and patient in his speech (he obviously did not get that trait from me!).  Austin said, "Didn't we just have a sermon about that?  'Answer not a fool according to his folly'."  Austin's direct application of the right verse at the right time showed me that he's been listening to the sermons about God's truth, believes the truth, and can apply the truth!  There is no greater blessing than to see evidence of my son's faith.  All three men were a real support to me, just what a family is supposed to be, and that gave me confidence going into the situation.  Jehovah-Jirah!

On the day of testing the Lord gave me grace in a difficult situation with the person.  I was really low on sleep, thanks to the stress of the situation, but I had to go over there that day to let in repair people.  I kept in mind the encouragement of my family and the prayers of my friends.  I remembered that when I am weak, the Lord can show His strength.  I placed myself totally in His hands, because I had no strength of my own.  That day she started spewing her abuse again, this time with the electrician present!  I felt bad of course and wanted to retaliate and say all the bad things about her, but the Lord gave me strength and grace that day when I needed it.   I just calmly said, "I'm not going to engage in conversation with you."   She kept spewing, then I said, "I'm not speaking to you."  A couple minutes later she shut up!!  That was all God, none of me.  This is Good News.

I give thanks to God!  He is faithful!  Lord, help me to always run to You in time of trial.
"The name of the Lord is a strong tower.  The righteous runs into it and is safe."  "His banner over me is Love."

God is faithful,
j