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
I’m not sure how to begin.
My son is that overbearing, controlling man who has brought me I to his living arrangement with a woman who is in the process of divorce.They argue alot, and the kids whom I do love, are not disciplined.I came here because of another dysfunctional living situation I was blindsided I to sharing an apartment with.It went from disaster, to disaster.Im nearly 62, and want to leave this very chaotic homelife, which is not blessed of God.I have helped here a ton!!!.But I have no voice.In the meantime, I have not been able to see my 84 year old mom in 8 years, and she needs help too, but is 1,300 miles away.I have been wanting to go see her for quite some time, and haven’t been able to.But my son accuses me of the so called timing, and says I’m using Mom as an excuse. And I’m told through his severe angry outbursts what a bad mother I was, and all the rehashing of the same stories get unloaded on me..My son used to be very easy going, and he does have a big heart..But 20 years ago, while walking the highschool campus one week before school was to start, he was nearly killed by 2 vicious young men who assaulted him in his head.He was knocked unconscious by a large tree branch in the first hit.While the students stood by and watched, he was repeatedly assaulted while he lay helpless on the ground.He has not been the same since, when it comes to emotional quick outbursts. I know this was a very demonic attack, because my son had never been to public school, and one week before, he has this major setback..Needless to say, after physically recovering from the brain hemorrhage, and 2 ear surgeries to restore his shattered eardrum, it was the emotional toll of having to go to school with the kids that stood by and watched.The 2 young men went to prison for 2 years or so.My son because he was home schooled scored 98% in reading comprehension during a test at the local college, but he resents me and his dad for homeschooling.He needs deliverance, and I’m not sure what to do at this point.I have been verbally abused by my 35 year old son for quite some time..I am trying to step out and do some other things, but feel that if I stay here to help him with this family of 3 kids, and a girlfriend who is also unsaved, that it will be more difficult to draw and write with constant distractions. Help!!!!.Thankyou for reading my heartbreak Lance.God bless you and Annabelle ♡
Go take a break, visit your momma before she passes away and your opportunity to love on her is gone. That is the best advise I have ever received. My sisters and I took care of our mother for two years before she was too sick for us to keep her at home and then we would visit the nursing home to see her. I am SO GLAD I DID! I miss her every day! Also, you cannot fix your son by staying in that situation, only Jesus can.
Thinking about this. The answer yes.
Awesome message, brother, thank you for your ministry!
Trusting God to be in the middle of our circumstances and hearing His voice in the midst of them is something the enemy wages war against but we have to go through it all in faith!
Love you!
This is the story of my life , God is gracious enough to leave me on the table until I learn the lessons he is teaching
Lol, you’ve no idea the timing of this message in my life…right on!
So blessed by this. It’s really on time. Been going through some irritating situations and this has helped me. Thank you.
Hey Lance,
I have known this irritation on oand off for considerable time,whether it is a relationship or the wait for the change.Mostly in relational issues it hs been a revelatory experience that has changed my heart.Funny how God allowsus to wallow in our stuff until the light draws us to the truth.Right now I am still waiting for a breakthrough but,I am more peaceful over the time waiting..He waits with me as I am continually being refined!
When are you coming back to the UK?
Am I understanding what you are saying is that Joseph, in the Bible, was actually treated poorly by his brothers because God had a plan to mature Joseph. Am I understanding that it had NOTHING to do with the enemy’s plan to destroy him? Is it possible that the enemy knew that God was going to use Joseph? Remember Joseph kept telling others about his dreams and could it be that the enemy viciously used Joseph’s jealous brothers to try to destroy him from accomplishing God’s plans! I would appreciate your feedback. Thanks
This Word is perfect timing. My 60 yo husband lost his job yesterday. Please pray with me that finally he is open to what God is doing and repents to receives Favor… I want to ask for something so much better, to come our way…we have a short amount of time to pay off the house, bills in order to have a base for the coming days. I want him to see his kingdom opportunities.
We discovered a couple of months ago, when my husband, went to an eye doctor for cataract surgery, that during the exam, he had a bleed in one of his eyes. We thanked God this was discovered before the bleed destroyed his eye. Also in the process we discovered we needed to deal again with his blood pressure. Also in this process of dealing with elevated blood pressure – we worked on getting rid of mental junk, blocks that were inhibiting the healing process. So during this last month ,after getting an injection in the eye, to help it heal, we have also been dealing with the elevated BP issue. Yesterday, we were back to the doctor, eye much improved, Praise God! Doctor was surprised at level of healing after only one injection. This is an irritation right now, but God is using it for healing in a number of ways. We also discovered online 3 exercises for HBP, that even the eye doctor confirmed that doing these exercises really help and can get you off medication for HBP. One is rhythmic walking, one is a breathing exercise to breath out fear, sadness, guilt etc., and the final one is a relaxation exercise before bed. All have been quite helpful. What the devil tried to destroy, God is using for growth!