This is another transparent moment I wish I could keep to myself! As usual, I will be obedient to the leading of Holy Spirit because I believe someone needs to hear this.
The hardest lesson I've had to learn in ministry is when to move on. As a result, I've allowed myself to be misused, abused, and used. I've put up with toxic behavior instead of calling it out and holding people accountable for their behavior. I've even allowed people to be comfortable in mistreating me. That's on me, not them, because we teach people how to treat us.
Yes, I did this. I own this. Now I'm changing this.
As God's daughter and His servant, I will not be a part of any relationship that devalues me. I won't come in agreement with that behavior ever again. If that makes you feel some kind of way about me, cause you to wonder who I think I am then I advise you to take it up with my Father. I know I am who He says I am, and I will never believe or allow what you've said and how you've treated me to change that!
As believers and how women are raised to nurture and be selfless, we may think we're supposed to keep giving no matter the cost to us. I'm here to tell you we are not expendable, and only Jesus can resurrect dead things. That's not our position in anyone's life! We can't change them! We are not called to be Holy Spirit Jr. in anyone's life!
Jesus is our best example because He never tried to convince anyone of His value. Nor did He run after people or compromise His Word or His assignment. If people accepted Him great and if they didn't great. They were all given the opportunity, but their choice in no way impacted Jesus' assignment, self-esteem, or self-image! He knew who He was and walked confidently in it.
Religion will bind you, but a relationship with Jesus will set you free because His Truth is freedom.
"So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free." (John 8:36 AMPC)
Walking away from toxic people, users, and people that make it clear you're an option or are only available at their convenience is healthy. You're not doing it in anger. You're doing it from a place of love, health, knowing who you are, and maintaining healthy boundaries. Do not apologize for having boundaries or holding people accountable when they breach them.
So, some may find their time of unlimited access limited or even totally revoked. Be honest and realize that you and your behavior closed that door, not me. Re-entry, just like repentance, requires changed behavior, not broken worthless promises! I no longer believe what you say. I'm watching what you do. Sadly, for too long, what you've said and what you've done hasn't matched. So, I'm governing myself accordingly. No more excuses or turning a blind eye. Access denied. I choose peace.
"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world, you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]" (John 16:33 AMPC)
Since Jesus deprived the world of power to hurt me, I don't have to continually allow others to hurt me. Walking in pain is not a characteristic of a disciple of Jesus. Walking in love is!
Jesus said, “The first in importance is, ‘Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.’ And here is the second: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment that ranks with these.” (Mark 12:30-31 MSG)
Since Jesus commands me to love others as I love myself then loving me is the best thing, I can do in order to love others. So, I choose to walk in the fullness of a beloved daughter of the King!
Be Encouraged! ❤
Question: you wrote that Jesus didn’t go chasing after anyone , everyone was given the opportunity to believe , I remember reading somewhere about reannointing - - but that’s different from chasing down a nonbeliever and trying convince him - pastor reading your work help me think