Ecclesiastes 4: 5 & 6 The fool folds his hands And consumes his own flesh. Better a handful with quietness Than both hands full, together with toil and grasping for the wind.
Today I had the pleasure of talking and speaking words of encouragement with two of my friends It was inspiring and spiritually uplifting for us all. One never could have told me that I would change my plans on a whim for someone else. My mind set has always been to stick with the plans. However, God’s plan for my day is so much better. He does not desire for us to despair, be lonely, or torture ourselves with worry doubt or any of the tricks of the enemy. I have found myself suffering in silence. I’m sure you have too. Because I was too embraced or ashamed to admit to myself, let alone another person, my error in judgement. I was too ashamed to say the simple words or ask, “Can you help me?” Fool do not fold your hands.
Many times, I have quietly grappled with unsaid words, horrible treatment by so called friends, head case scenarios, trying to figure it out on my own. However, now I know that was never our Dads intent. He wants the best for us. In wanting the best for us, He provides opportunities to learn and grow while experiencing His goodness. I was so thankful and grateful today, to be a part of that process for a friend that I met during this pandemic. To let her know she is not alone. To help her process what she is feeling and going through as she continues her purpose given journey. The thirst that the Lord has put in her for answers, for truth. It was such an inspiring conversation.
You see saints, often the enemy makes a fool of us. He makes a fool of us by separating us from the fellowship of the saints. He makes a fool of us by helping us to invent a story in our heads that is often untrue. He makes fool of us by presenting our siblings to us in the most unflattering light. With our hands full, we draw erroneous conclusions on our circumstances. We argue with our brothers and sisters. We hold on to unforgiveness. We cannot be compassionate. We dole out a like for like response in the toughest of situations. It is with intense pleasure that the enemy looks on. So, fool do not fold your hands.
Saints let us not allow the enemy to have his way. Let us gird up the strength and presence of our Lord to defeat his tricks. Let us be mindful that we are in this life experience journey together. Let us reach out and know the comforting arms of friends. Let us let go of our plans for the day and hear the voice of the Lord when He calls for us to help one of His children. Let us speak words of confirmation. Let us speak words of encouragement one to another. Let us be a sounding board for vulnerability. Let us not judge or condemn. Let us provide empathy for the pain.
God is in control. He is still on the throne. Lean into His grace and mercy. Lean into the strength of Him. Because in the quietness of Him, there is liberty from the pain. Bondage does not have money. There is freedom right at our hand. So, surrender and submit to Jesus. Because it is through Him that we experience God’s right hand.
UniquelyDesigned1 