Does your philosophy of life give perspective or purpose to the irritations that you encounter?
I invite you to reframe the problems that you face and look for the potential purpose behind them.
First of all, 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.
I’ve discovered a quote along these lines that is positively life-transforming:
“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?
1. 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. 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.
2. Favor in relationships: We have been given a 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.
3. God’s chastisement: It could be a tool 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 intrusion and erosion of freedom. Have you heeded the Lord’s warning to deal with the “ites” in your life?
There are times when we are responsible for creating our own irritations. Are there areas in your life where you are doing the opposite of what you know is wisest and best? Sometimes a simple course correction is all we need.
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 issue or summarily assume that it is something the devil sent. It could be God’s gift in your life.
As One,
Lance Wallnau
The very hard way it’s how I’ve had to learn to live these things. Who could be a greater irritation than Judas toward Jesus and He examples of humility… even calling him friend. He knew that Judas was an integral part of the plan of God every person that irritates us is such.
Hallelujah!
I stayed in Myanmar for 18 months. On June 12, 2021, I took flight CZ3056 to Guangzhou. In accordance with the regulations of the local epidemic prevention department, I was arranged to undergo mandatory quarantine at a designated hotel for 14 days.
I received a notice the day before yesterday. After the quarantine period in Guangzhou ended, the staff of the community where I was located picked me up and continued to quarantine and observe.
Now I have more time to get close to God.
Yes, I am reminded of Job’s response to his wife when she asked him if he was still maintaining his integrity, (through all of the losses and disease), she said to curse God and die! Job told her that she was speaking foolishly and I love his statement: “Will we accept the good from God but not accept the adversity?”
I work as a nurse and have seen so much suffering and can only imagine what Job went through. In all this, Job was MAINTAINING his integrity with God! So, whatever level of maturity we are at, we must maintain it and continue to move forward!
Perfect timing. We are in the book of James and we are exposing the errors in our thinking from all our life. God is doing a great thing in us. I encourage everybody to let God have his way. Our home environment is bliss and more joy.
We see people different that treat us unkind. Ask God to pour in his love when situations get unstable. Thanks Lance for always thinking ahead of us in leadership.
AMEN!! Thank you Lance for this post. I needed to be reminded that God is doing great things for us and we need the growth that he wants to give each of us!
Love and Prayers AS ONE!
Betty