Bitter Results pt.3

It’s day 3 of the story of two sisters, Carol and Alice, and their husbands, John and Ralph. Let’s continue telling their story.

Some people thought that Alice’s husband, Ralph, should have pursued a broader ministry, with Alice supporting him while growing into her own ministry.  Instead, it seemed as though no opportunity would ever come.  Alice became a high school teacher, a gifted one at that, and quite well thought of by her students.  Ralph, however, seemed to have nothing but struggles with his law practice, never seeming to be able to earn much profit from his labor.  Eventually, his ministry all but disappeared.

Both Alice and Ralph died too young and may well have missed out on the great plans the Lord had for them.  It’s clear why this happened.  When they became offended and determined to hold on to the offense instead of letting it go, it became an anchor to them.  It kept them from progressing in their relationship with the Lord.

This story illustrates the difficulties we face in our Christian walk when we fail to forgive those who have offended us.  We must understand this in the context of honoring the important people in our lives because these are the people who tend to hurt us the most.  As we see in the story above, even experienced, mature Christians struggle with this problem, and their failure to overcome traps them in a prison of twisted perspective and limited or terminated opportunity.

It is almost impossible to over estimate the troubles that happen in people’s lives when they remain in unforgiveness.

Please let me encourage you.  Take a look at your life.  Listen to what you are saying in your heart, especially when times are tough.  What are you saying?  Who are you hurt and angry with? What are you hurt and angry about?

It’s time to talk to the Lord. Tell Him what is going on in your heart.  Take responsibility and choose to forgive.

Thank you.  God bless you - on your journey today!