I don't like conflict. I prefer peace, love, warmth and laughter. But, ever writer knows that a good story needs some kind of conflict. In my beloved Hallmark stories... it happens about 20 minutes before the movie ends. Of course, in a Hallmark movie, it is always resolved with a happy ending in the last five minutes.
Well, real life is no Hallmark channel movie. Conflict happens. How do we face the tough days with hope and grace?
"We have to embrace the conflict God has put in our story. Often times, the scenes that we want to skip produce the endings we all love to see." -image and quote uncredited
Now, I would have used the word "allowed" instead of "put". God allows conflicts in our lives when it is for a greater purpose in his kingdom... and ultimately for our good. Remember, He never promised a carefree, easy ride, but that he would be faithful. He said, "I am with you." Always. Even until the end of the age. Talk about commitment!
The lumps and the bumps will come. Sometimes, there is pure craziness attached to a plot twist. Still, we can trust that he will never leave us or forsake us. He loves his children... all of them. It means there is a delicate balancing act. The more we are in tune with His Word and The Way, the easier it is to find the calm in any storm.
Embrace the conflict. How?
A prayerful pause to realign thoughts, actions and behaviors with the Word of God and the Great Commission. These are necessary for defining actions. Waiting for his lead. To go and make disciples is our calling and our assignment. Clear paths are not always promised. How do we tear down the walls that divide? One brick at a time.
A simple plan from two of my favorite verses:
Love Him like crazy.
Love everybody else... like crazy.
Weep with those who are weeping.
Celebrate with those who are celebrating.
Is it really that simple to tear down walls? Try it and see. "The Spirit of Correctiveness" is not a "Fruit of the Spirit". Love is. So are joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Scripture references:
"But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.This is the great and first commandment.And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”" -Matthew 22:34-40
"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." -Romans 12:15
The next time you find yourself in the middle of conflict, trust that although it is uncomfortable, be confident God is at work in your midst. He doesn't always answer with respect to our plans... but he does not abandon his children. As we grow closer to him, he comes closer to us.
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."-James 4:8
Today, I am grateful we can embrace the conflict when it has a purpose.
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