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
So true, Lance. There are many irritants in my life right now and you reminded me that I am being refined on the potter’s wheel to be made into a more beautiful vessel. I guess I am a little dizzy spinning around that potter’s wheel
Well I find this whole entire subject irritating!!!!!
JK really JK for reals :))))
Blessings Lance…
I have three irritations…two I am removing ! Ahhhh….They are unnecessary pricks and thorns the third is an endurance…I would love to shift it .
That was powerful because it happened just like you explained it in my life and when I dealt with it God made peace between that person and I then the relationship was awesome, but I think that most people will go with the second automatically because its easier then just get rid of the person or leave the relationship or situation
RE: Are there times when you are responsible for creating your own irritations?
If this is REALLY Lance I would answer Lance that question in this manner: Yes.
BUT I think that unless I am really in some ones face that most of the time people misunderstand my statements – especially if they are reading my comments – and I probably continue to be an irritant when they don’t answer my questions or respond back to me and I keep pushing the envelope because they have refused to answer me back so then I can be an irritant of theirs as they continue to not answer back — which is unfortunate — but am I causing the irritation or are they. I mean if they don’t take the time to respond back to me which of us is really the irritant?.
Or let’s say we are discussing a matter of Obedience to Gods Way of doing things and I gently – even – respond to the item we are discussing at hand with what Gods Word Says but they say they or others don’t have to obey Gods Word but instead they or others they are aware of can choose to do what they want to do (AND these ARE Saved? people)
If they refuse to check out my statement with the Truth as it is … then they are irritated because they have already decided to disagree with me with out wanting to check out Gods Truth … doesn’t that happen with you too? (and I am not talking about being dogmatic I am talking about simple things like forgiveness, etc.
And if they are irritated at me it is “probably” my fault for causing their irritation because they have refused to see or obey Gods Truth – but am I the irritant or is it they are confronted with obedience to Gods Ways which they refuse to do and which causes irritation that they are being confronted with being obedient – SO I guess your right also that in this case I am an irritant – oh well …
Other times I purposely test people to find out their true character and in doing so I have become an irritant to them. But is that wrong in testing people to find out that if they say this and that and you test them to see if they will truly do this or that and then they don’t and you continue to test them, is that a wrong irritant? When their actions show their lack of character? Did not Yawshua’ do the same and does not Father God do the same to us as attested to by your article above? And if so is not God then The Irritant for allowing irritability to come your way? If so is that wrong for God to be -in a second hand way – an irritant?
NOW do I have to sometimes change my structure of how I have to approach people because they misunderstood something I said because that is the way they are – sure – in order to hopefully bring some Peace and some stability to a relationship due to the other persons blindness. BUT never will I bow to their servitude but will serve them when and if I can.
Really to me most irritations are due to a lack of communication between people or just plain hard headedness and or lack of correct judgment and or just plain judging people with out all the facts before them and or having the Truth and facts but not wanting to defer to the Truth or to the facts.
But bottom line am I responsible for causing irritations – sure – but not all the time. And when so, well then I stand guilty as charged.
: > )
Dr. Wallnau,
You have no idea how much I needed those worlds today. Such an eye opening for me. I met you a few years back when you spoke at a conference in Mesa. AZ. I was your driver and security detail, procuring a airplane charger for you prior to your trip to Korea.
All that said, I appreciate you and your leadership.
Yes,I am learning that I put things up as irrations up to endure but not to over come.Because they are a safety net an excuse for me to not go to the next level ,for my belief that I can not go there .Unqualitifed to go.
In April of 2014 I woke up one morning to hear the Holy Spirit say, ” Hou are allowing Satan to steal from you”. Shortly afterward I had someone drive into the front of my house doing $40,000 worth of damage . The very next night, a coyote jumped my back fence and killed my little poodle. Wirhin 3 weeks I had a $20,000 flood in my basement when a secondary water pump did not turn on. It took 7 months to fix the 2 major repairs to my house. Yes, we need to be “sober, be viligent, for your advisory, the Devil, walks about seeing whom he may devour”!!
Yes many times I create my own and there are many irritants in my life right now.
As one thing smooths out and growth appears then BAM! Out of the blue another irritant! I am going to be so refined by the wheel I will glow.
Certainly !
My wife once told me she was tired of my Superior, selfish and critical attitude. so now I’m working on it.
Another attitude she does not care for is arguing, and criticizing without knowing what I’m talking about.
So now I’m working on these.
Vincent
Hi!
Thank you for reminding me. Just in time. Amazing!
All blessings
Martin Nystedt, Sweden