What do you do when you come across someone who knows the
old you? The you who use to live for this world? What happens when this
individual or these individuals still see the unsaved you and don’t understand
this “new” you? It seems that all they can remember is the way you USE to be
and really are not happy that you speak about Jesus now. They mock you and
think you are some “Jesus Freak”. What do you do? They turn their nose up at
you because now they notice a change in you. How in the world do you respond to
these individuals or perhaps just that one person who you feel has it out for
you?
Sisters, it is so important that you are still in these
moments and not respond just yet. If you can hold off your response then at all
cost do that. While you are doing that, pray. If you can find a quiet place go
there and cast your worries unto the Lord. Ask the Lord how you can
specifically handle the situation. Ask the Holy Spirit for his perspective before
you do anything. It is crucial you are careful with these individuals. They are
drawn to the light they see in you for a reason and if you respond in a harsh
way they won’t see Jesus. These individuals do not get why you chose Jesus
instead of the world. Their hearts have not be softened towards Jesus just yet
and God may be using you in the situation.
Deciding to leave your past behind you and taking up your cross daily to follow Christ is very brave. It was thee best decision you made to date and
you will come across people who knew you before Christ and I am here to say, don’t
be afraid. This is the time to focus on who you are in Christ and keep your
foot. If you forgot who you are in Christ let me remind you:
You are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
You are justified (Romans 5:1)
You are complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10)
You are now God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)
You are free from condemnation (Romans 8:1-2)
You are a minister of Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
You were bought with the blood of Jesus and are his temple (1 Corinthians
6:19-20)
You are anointed (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)
You are a member of Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12:27)
Sisters, when you know who you are in Christ you can handle situations
like this with grace and excellence. You can have compassion for these
individuals and remember how Christ won your heart. We all fall short of
God’s glory and because we are Christians does not make us better than unsaved individuals. Because we are Christians we now have hope. We have a
Savior who is for us and we now belong to HIS kingdom. We are HIS child.
I encourage you to not get frustrated with the individuals who do not
get you and your new life. Let these situations strengthen your faith and see
it as a chance to give your testimony to these individuals in a way that does
not freak them out. Be honest and speak from your heart. Politely say” I am not
the person you use to know. I am new and whenever you have time we can talk
about it if you would like”. If and when they do take you up on your offer.
Explain why you no longer live the way you do and share how Christ saved you.
When you are of Jesus, he will direct your steps (Psalm 37:23). If they do not take you up on your offer do not get discouraged. Pray for them and let Jesus do the heavy lifting and move right along. It is my prayer that you are blessed and you remember YOU are NOT your PAST!
In Christ,
Monique Smith
Prayer Starter:
Jesus, sometimes it gets hard in my walk with you because others
do not understand and they say or do hurtful things to me. Help me Jesus to
have compassion for these people and to respond in love. Help me to not waver
in my service to you. It is my desire to do what is right and never give up.
Father God, I wish to show others you and I do not want to interrupt your plans
with being harsh to people. You love me Lord and you treat me with a grace I do
not deserve. May I hand out grace and forgiveness to your people if and when I come across situations where people are mean to me, Thank
you for your guidance and love, Father. I pray in your name, Jesus. Amen
