A philosophy of life that works is one that gives perspective or purpose to the irritations that we encounter. I want to invite you now to put a different frame on the problems that you have and to look for the potential purpose behind them.
How does God help us grow? He helps us to grow by giving us challenges that are beyond our skill set. Sometimes we would love to pray away, prophesy away or rebuke away these challenges, but God actually sent them to accomplish a purpose.
In my studies over the years, I’ve discovered some quotes that are positively life-transforming. One of them has to do with the two classes of irritations. So catch this:
“There are many irritations which we experience which we can and should remove. A squeaky door can be oiled; an angry neighbor can be appeased; and a personal habit can be changed. There are other irritations, however, which are beyond our power to correct or remove. These irresolvable irritations provide the basis for a significant process which God intends to take place within each of our lives.” –Research in Principles of Life Basic Seminar Textbook
What is this process?
- Personal transformation: One of those processes is that the irritant is actually sent to refine or shape us. For instance, there might be a person who is overbearing or rude or irritating, and God has them in our life—not for the purpose of us getting away from them—but for the purpose of us maturing in our own fruit of the spirit. This is so that we can, in a sense, outgrow the immaturity of where we were before we met the irritant.
- Favor in relationships: Interesting promise, that once a man’s ways please the Lord, the Lord causes even his enemies to be at peace with him (Proverbs 16:7). You might see that God literally changes the relationship you have with someone once you humble yourself. As you become more flexible and gentle, or perhaps open to reproof, willing to learn, listen or ask better questions, you begin to find favor in otherwise strained relationships. Now, suddenly, that former irritant has become for you the opportunity—like the potter’s wheel—to be made into a more beautiful vessel.
I encourage you to look at this idea of transforming irritations into opportunities to grow before you discard the irritation or summarily assume that the irritation is something the devil sent. It could be God’s gift in your life.
——— OR ———
It could be God's chastisement to wake you up! Israel was told to deal with the “ites” in their land or they would multiply and become “pricks in your side” (Numbers 33:55). They were warned that these enemies would become a nonstop source of irritating intrusion and erosion of freedom. Have you heeded the Lord’s warning to deal with the “ites” in your life?
Question: Are there times when you are responsible for creating your own irritations? Comment below!
As One!
Lance
Yes, like my now son in law…
Getting to mature quite nicely or will die from the pain of it…trusting I will be turned into the sweetest mother in love, given I allow the Lord His way…
Yes, When I become so frustrated with myself, that I think it’s got to be the other person. But once I totally surrender myself to the very think that I’m fighting against, that’s when I see the Holy Spirit move.
Lance I admire how God gives you such great wisdom. Thru the course of maturing as a christian and as a person – I have come to understand that God puts irritants in our lives to shave off the rough edges.
As I read the above – what came to mind was the Pearl- it gets it luster and size by the irritant that is constantly irritating it. I have been married for 21 yrs. and God has constantly- now less since I am getting it- used my husband as an irritant in my life. This has led to my spiritual maturity and my abiding in Christ Jesus. Praise God for my husband.
Walking in this very area right now and not so gracefully I might add. However, just like the potters wheel HE keeps reshaping me and giving me opportunities LOL!
Also, as you were talking I was reminded of how a pearl is made. “Natural Pearls form when an IRRITANT – usually a parasite and not the proverbial grain of sand – works its way into an oyster, mussel, or clam. As a defense mechanism, a fluid is used to coat the irritant. Layer upon layer of this coating, called ‘nacre’, is deposited until a lustrous pearl is formed.”
I love that!
Thank you Lance! You are such a blessing and beautiful vessel! We just worked together at the Texas Kingdom Summit! It is so very hard to find Brothers and Sisters in the Lord that are truly mature in Christ and I’m so grateful to have you to fellowship with! Much Peace & Love!
Lori Mosley
Sometimes I think I’m my own worst enemy… I seem to irritate my self…LOL…Could that be the deviding of the soul and spirit..?
Or my flesh not totally crusified…He lives in me I know…
And He Jesus encourages me daily…
Even so…I have times that I wish I could step out of my flesh…That seems to be a great hindrance…
Keeping my eyes on Him…And the path He laid before me…I do pick up my cross daily…Daily choose to
follow Him…