Our God has a great sens of humor. He made a donkey talk just to teach a lesson to Balam the corrupt prophet. He raised up a tree overnight and dry it up the next day also to teach a lesson to his reluctant servant Jonah. It sounds funny when you think about it; except it is less hilarious when you happen to be the subject of His humor.
A few months ago I had the most obnoxious experience with my husband’s cousin. He wanted to share something he had received from the Lord. He related a few dreams he had and finally told me with some very harsh words that I have a problem of character and that I would not let the Lord transform me. No need to tell you that this meeting ended up not in a very friendly way. Not that much because of what was said, but more because of who said it and how it was said.
Of all the brothers and sisters around us, it was the good pleasure of our God to choose the most cantankerous brother to carry His message. Of course he did what he usually does: try to use the word of God to beat up and trample. And I did what I usually do: push back.
I was mad, I was hurt, I was revolted when I left. It took a lot of prayers, and meditation of the words to overcome this sad situation.
At some point though, and after a deep introspection I came to realize that God couldn’t have chosen a better way to open my eyes and point out what He wanted to correct in my life : the urge to always reply even in situations where I know full well that I should keep silent and let the Lord vindicate me. The tendency that I had to loose my temper over things that could be dealt smoothly and more over, the way to react when I feel frustrated and how negatively this could affect my family. How much the Lord knows His children, and how much He desires for us to be perfect as He is perfect!
As you may have guessed the brother did not appreciate much my contentious retorts. He had the divine inspiration to call for a third party to step in. During this mediation he hopefully came to understand that he had his own shortcomings, and should take his part of responsibilities in what happen. Though he never confessed it openly and never apologized, I forgave him.
Today I look back to what happen with a smile. I got rebuked by someone who ironically couldn’t see the plank in his own eye. Was it unpleasant? absolutely. Was it humiliating? I certainly was. Did I draw from it what the Lord wanted to teach me? I did. I keep on praying steadfastly for a gentle and quiet spirit. And I know my Lord is working a miracle in my life, and in the end, that is all that really matters!