I am a softie. My natural inclination is to take away someone else’s pain, make them comfortable again, and see them happy. In fact, it is one of the things I truly struggle with in raising our children.
But God has been teaching me a lesson lately.
If a person’s pain comes from conviction of sin . . . then I must step back and keep my hands off.
When conviction comes strong and swift to my own heart and the pain is real and deep, it drives me to the cross in complete desperation. Why would I wish someone else’s pain away – when I know firsthand the incredible peace and joy that comes from a renewed heart?
The pain of conviction of sin must precede forgiveness. Without it, we would never seek the Savior. And the Savior is the only one who can give us a renewed heart.
Matthew 5:4
“Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
I read this verse last week and then our minister mentioned it Sunday in his sermon. It was a confirmation that this lesson I am learning was truly from God. In fact, he spoke on two of my favorite verses in the Beatitudes . . . and if my hair didn’t stand on end, it probably should have!
When we see conviction striking its swift blow to the heart of someone we love, we must let them go. God is the only one who has the power to change that heart!
Any empathetic consoling we do could diminish the reality of sin’s hold
and could sabotage the work of the Spirit in their heart.
This pain is wrenching for the moment . . . but it is needful for a changed heart and life. I know. I have felt it many times in my own heart and it is what drives me to my Jesus.
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spicingupidaho says
My Dear Friend,
You have written words near and dear to my heart! It is so true that many times we try to be the “hand of God’ in someone’s life by trying to remove the pain in their lives hoping it will help them find Christ, when the very thing we are trying to do is remove what the Lord has allowed to draw them to Him.
One of my favorite devotionals, “My Utmost For His Highest” has a selection that made me think of what you wrote today. It is found on March 24. The most notable quote from this selection to me is “You may often have to watch Jesus Christ wreck a life before He saves it.”
May the Lord have His way in the hearts and lives of those you love, and may He give you grace through it all.
Kendra says
Thank you! This means much.