No es posible. Sometimes we shoot down the ideas and ways of doing things of a spouse, family member, friend or associate because these challenge our beliefs and/or make us uncomfortable. For example some believers think that victory in Jesus Christ means that we will not have long-term problems, and that God cannot use us during the time we have long-term problems.
How challenging it must have been for some when Jesus Christ in His earthly ministry in Israel was healing people, driving out demons, teaching and preaching, yet He allowed John the Baptist, a man who had baptized Jesus and promoted His ministry, to be beheaded in prison. How challenging it must have been for some that 2 Corinthians 12 records that the apostle Paul prayed three times for a thorn (some type of problem maybe even a disability) to be removed from his life, yet God said no to removing the thorn and yes to continuing to use Paul in an apostolic ministry of healing other people, teaching and preaching.
Here are some current-day examples of times when our thoughts may be challenged. Our spouse may want to move to another state even though the family is well established in the current state of residence. Our spouse may want to try a new sexual experience. A friend wants to spend more time with us. Someone of a different political persuasion says they are a Christian. Planners comparing their personality and way of doing things to spontaneous people and vice versa. Some may have tried to stop the marriage of a person without arms and legs because how could he even have sex or take care of himself?
God is sovereign. God created us the way we are on purpose with a plan for our life. God's purpose and plan are good, very good even if it may not be what we or others expect. When people aren't doing what we expect, when their ways are challenging to us, stop efforts to immediately shoot down their ideas and ways of doing things. Instead believe the best of their intentions, pray and observe. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 Amplified Bible says, "But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast." It is possible that we are wrong and have been wrong for a long time. African-American Jazz singer Diane Reeves sings in "Mista" from the CD In The Moment Live In Concert, "It ain't too late. No. It ain't too late. Never too late to change your mind because every day is a miracle. Yes. A chance to make it." Changing our mind (a part of repentance) is something that God gives us the responsibility to seek regularly. Humility and repentance work together. Humility is the ability to let go of the wrong, embrace new godly ideas even from unexpected sources without embracing a bad view of self or needing to always be number one.
Even if our spouse, friend, family member or associate has a new idea that cannot be embraced, seek a win-win solution to maintain respect, kindness and strengthen the relationship. Christian, American and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar says, "Many marriages would be better if the husband and the wife clearly understood that they are on the same side." Not only married people but all friends are supposed to understand that they are on the same side. God the Father, God the Son Jesus Christ and God the Holy Ghost seek to develop individuals and relationships to be on His side. So do we! Join Rafael's and Michele's relationship group Thursdays from 7:30-9:00 p.m. at 14336 Winewood Lane #11, Woodbridge, Virginia.
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