"naysayers"

Just the other night my best friend posed a question on Facebook about how certain people come into our lives with NOT good intentions, but rather to wreak havoc and shake things up in our lives.  Her particular question was centered around marriage.  I felt GOD wanting me to post a response to her question in a way that was GOD honoring, not only to HIM but to my own marriage.  As I began typing I felt HIS words come out in this way, "When there is a friendship of the opposite sex in your marriage, then your spouse must be made aware of it."  As I typed out those words, I felt strong, and confident that this was the message that GOD wanted me to share, HIS truth that HE wanted me to speak.  However, I was quickly met by criticism, even saying that they felt "sorry" for my husband because I didn't trust HIM enough.

Now if you know me, I don't do criticism very well, however HE is working on me, or I should say HE has been working on me.  Even yesterday I was still stewing at how this person who didn't even know me could judge me so harshly.  So naturally this morning it is only fitting that HIS Daily Teachings would be about "naysayers" in my life.

HE is wanting me to understand that in choosing to live my life with "radical obedience" I will encounter "naysayers."  HE is wanting me to know that because how I am choosing to obey HIM and pick up my cross daily and follow HIM, then that convicts the "naysayers" in my life in some way.   This morning HE is wanting me to know that rather than the "naysayers" allowing GOD to transform them, they tear down what HE is trying to teach them through me.  

I know that I am called to speak HIS truth, and live in a way that is good, pleasing, and honoring to HIM in everything that I do.  This is not to say that I don't fall into the trap of being a "naysayer" myself.  HE is reminding me this morning that I too fall into the trap, and letting me know that just because I don't like something, doesn't mean it needs to be changed.  Therefore I must seek HIM and discern what HE says is right.

Today I am finding HIS truth comforting that even in the bible it has been written about "naysayers."

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money,boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents,ungrateful, unholy,  without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good,  treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—  having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people." 2 Timothy 3: 1-5

Lysa Terkeurst writes: "Becoming a woman who unashamedly says yes to GOD is going to cause you to be different from many of your family member's and friends."

GOD is wanting me to understand that by saying "No" to myself and "YES" to HIM my vision will be one that is NOT of this world.

" Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

I must meditate on HIS words whenever I come up against "naysayers" in my daily walk.  HE is letting me know that the more I seek HIM and surrender myself to HIM and ask HIM to teach, lead, and guide me, the more my expectations will mirror what HIS expectations are for my life.

HE is wanting me to to know that just because I am a busy Mama of 5 children, who stays home and runs our household, whose life is busy with many different responsibilities, whose body is run ragged most days, who is frantic in trying to complete each task that is at hand, does NOT mean that I need to be in a rush with GOD.  Rather when it comes to my relationship with HIM, I must slow down, so that I am able to heed HIS "whispers" and answer HIS calls for my life.  I must live my life with "radical obedience."

Even this morning I was still holding onto the words that were written to me the other night, and as I read my bible study I couldn't help but to smile as HIS Daily Teachings was about "naysayers" in my life, and how I am to navigate around them.  I am comforted by HIS teaching this morning that I am NOT to worry about anything, but rather trust HIM that HE has ALL things worked out for my own good.

HE is wanting me to know that instead of freaking out and worrying, I can be comforted by HIS "blessed assurance" that HE know's what is best for me.  He is wanting me to be lead by HIS truth, and not by the fear that is being instilled by Satan through other people in my life.  Therefore, I must remember that my strength and power to endure the storms of my life can only come from HIM.  I must choose to rely on HIM for everything.

HE has revealed to me today that people who are "naysayers" in my life.  HE is wanting me to know that because I choose to live my life differently than the "naysayers" in my life, they will feel compelled to come against me, because they feel threatened in their own convictions of how CHRIST is working through me. HE is letting me know that it is through their own insecurities and convictions in their own personal lives that they go on the attack with me.  HE is wanting me to understand this, as HE doesn't want me to take this attacks too personally.

"Never let other's compliments go to your head or their criticism go to your heart."

In speaking HIS truth the other night, I was attacked by a woman who spoke horrible words to me and who defiled the sanctity of marriage according to HIS word.  This I know know and understand was a test to see what condition my heart was.  It was a test to see whether or not I would lash out, and speak horrible things right back to her, or speak in love, and HIS truth.  I will admit that though I spoke HIS truth, I harbored ungodly thoughts in my heart.  So much in fact that I wasn't able to hear HIS Daily Teachings yesterday for my life.  I am learning that when I harbor horrible thoughts and feelings towards "naysayers" in my life, I miss out HIS blessings for my life.  Therefore, I must choose to let go, and let GOD sort out the mess of other people's thoughts.  

Lysa Terkeurst writes: "It's not easy to keep their negativity from being discouraging."  She goes onto to say, when feeling attacked by a naysayer you must "consider the source."  In her book  "What Happens When Women Say YES To GOD"  gives some questions that I must ask myself when feeling attacked by a "naysayer."

~ is said person actively seeking a relationship with the LORD?

~ is said person answering GOD'S call on their life?

~ does said person have my best interest at heart?

HE is letting me know that if the answer to any of these are no, then I must seek HIM and hear HIS truth in what has been said to me.  I must forgive them for any hurt they may have caused.  I must remember to let go..... and let GOD.

GOD is wanting me to remember that even though I am actively pursuing HIM daily, I too fall into the trap of be a "naysayer."  I, Heather also fall into the trap of not being GOD honoring in my attitude and actions.  Therefore, I must choose to be lead by HIS HOLY SPIRIT and not of the flesh.  I must seek HIM to give me HIS eyes so that my view and perception of things will align to HIS view and perception.

Pastor Rick Warren writes the following description of "naysayers" in his book "The Purpose Driven Life."  "You will find that people who do not understand your shape for ministry will criticize you and try to get you to conform to what they think you should be doing.  Ignore them.  Paul often had to deal with critics who misunderstood and maligned his service.  His response was always the same"  Avoid comparisons, resist exaggerations, and seek only GOD's commendation." 

At the end of my bible study today, GOD so lovingly reminded me of why the story of Saul turned Paul is my favorite in the bible.  I love it because Saul was one of the worst people who did horrible unspeakable things, who sought out people who loved GOD and killed them.  However, when he repented, and accepted GOD into his hardened heart, his heart was softened, and his eyes were opened.  He went onto be an amazing messenger for GOD in speaking HIS truth to everyone he came in contact with.  GOD used him to do HIS good works.  HE equipped HIM with the courage to boldly speak HIS truth, HIS love, HIS grace, and HIS mercy.  Today HE is letting me know that I, Heather a sinner just like Paul must do the same.

I pray today today that you will seek HIM and HIS truth for your life.  I pray today for discernment for you to know the "naysayers" in your life.  I pray today that you won't let their words change your heart, but rather seek HIM to give you the strength to let go.... and let HIM take over for you.  I pray today that you will seek HIM in your troubles and worries, and be filled with confidence that HE truly does work all things out for your own good.

Blessings,
Heather