I remember some years back when I was surrounded by a powerful group of Spirit-filled women who came under attack because they "prayed too much." No, I'm not kidding or even exaggerating! It's true. One person, in a mocking way said it like this . . . "they pray with you when you come, they pray with you before you go . . . they just pray, pray, pray . . . it's just not normal!"
I recall the hurt we all felt when we were called in to the pastor's office to answer to these crazy accusations. But, more than that, I recall what the pastor told me just before they all came in (and there were 8-9 or better). He said, Gayle, say nothing; just wait and let's watch the work of the enemy fall apart." What wisdom! And, that is exactly what happened, because the rumors and attacks were based on gossip, supposition and crowd mentality . . . they had nothing concrete or foundational to support their statements. When it was all said and done, those folks walked out with egg on their face, so to speak, and we were exonerated. So much so, that the accusers of the brethern, who were pawns in the game of the enemy, felt badly and apologized!
It was amazing to watch the hand of God be my defender (Psalms 59:1). I didn't have to explain, excuse or defend . . . and when you're standing on the side of truth, you don't have to. If you get caught up in trying to put out all the fires blazing around you, it only makes you look worse and you get tangled up in heat of the moment and sure enough, before you know it, you've got egg on your face. Mostly because once we let ourselves go, we just don't know when to shut-up! (smile)
Remember, we're not in the "fire-department" business. That's God's job. We're in the disciple making business and a little dose of humility goes a long, long way! The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies.
(The New King James Version)
4 comments:
I remember this too! I actually used this in my job interview with the State of Alaska. My boss has asked me several times since I was hired, what was that again? Defend, explain....I have to say that is one of those teachings you taught us that stuck like glue! Ev
I have prayed for guidance through many situations and as long as I was on the side of G-d, I didn't have to say anything. Your story is powerful and needs to repeated often.
It's hard to lay accusations at the feet of Jesus and let Him deal with it. But I definitely want to live my life like you, so when the time comes, the accusations just fall apart around me...
Jessica, you may not realize this happend at the church we all went too! Yep, that very wise pastor was your dad and your parents were such a support to me, I can't begin to tell you. There were more accusations than I could even keep up with, it was an ugly, ugly work of the devil . . . but, what a work God did both then and a number of times since then, as I reflected back over those issues. I was really hurt, but I wasn't knocked out! I was beat up, but I wasn't squashed. Thank you for your kind words my sweetie girl!!
Miss G
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