As time went on, I realized I was involved in a near impossible situation...one of dealing with an alleged Christian who was going out of their way to make life as impossible and intolerable for me. At the time, as a relatively new believer, my first thought was to do much self examination. "Maybe I was the jerk. Maybe I was creating this problem and maybe this person's reaction is fully because of me", I surmised. After review, I generally thought I was not to blame. Yes, I was not perfect, but as a Christian, that other person was way off base for treating me like garbage. As any good Christian would do, I prayed that God intervene and change this person. I prayed and prayed. Then one day, when I was not anywhere near this person a thought came to mind...maybe I should pray for something which will have a more far reaching effect than God changing that one person! For example, God can use this situation to teach me how NOT to treat others and to help others who may be in the same boat I was! Sure, God could change this person but what if He could teach me how to deal with this so that I could be a much better witness for Him? Of the two possibilities, which would have the greatest impact on showing others Jesus? You got it! Teach me how to handle this. A little while later while sitting in my first class and first day at Seminary, the instructor said something profound: "You may be the ONLY Jesus someone will see!" So then, my friends....what is the best way for YOU to learn something? Answer: By experience! Those "trials and tribulations" (as they say) may be the lesson God is allowing you to experience to teach you so you can help others. The textbook is the Bible. The laboratory to practice the lesson is everyday life. When you complete "the class" and yes, there will be on-going, required training, others will see how you, as a direct representative of Jesus Christ of Nazareth will witness better than spouting off the Roman's Road using King James language as if you were Paul's stenographer. So then...what happened, what is the rest of the story? That person and I, several years ago had a chance meeting in a private setting, which was not planned by any human and fully apologized for their actions and everything which was directed at me. Will that happen to you? Maybe and maybe not. However, as believers we have the responsibility to respond in a Godly fashion no matter how someone responds.
I wish you well!
I wish you well!
