Take A Stand

I had dinner with a dear friend this week in an effort to be an encouragement and moral support to her during a difficult situation at work. She had an employee undermine her authority, slander her and make false claims and accusations. She was charged with the task of having to call him and clear up the situation. It is really difficult to be professional and civil when you want to punch somebody in the face. My counsel to her was to mostly listen and be slow to speak. Irate people love to stir others up. I've found that being calm under fire gives the agressor less fuel. As we talked before her phone conversation, we concurred that she needed to have a "stance statement", a phrase of truth that she could stick to if he became unreasonable. I was very proud of how she stuck to her guns, didn't retaliate, and repeatedly spoke the truth.

As I spent time with the Lord this week, He took her situation and used it to remind me of something that had gotten a little dusty in my memory. 

When the major storms of my life started to churn a few years back, I cried out in desperation to the Lord asking "why". He spoke this promise to my spirit: "This is for your good and for My glory". That is my "stance statement". The accuser has been after me lately, feeding me lies and making me feel defeated. He is a real jerk. BUT I know the truth. I know God's promises and He does not lie. His stance doesn't change and neither does His love for me. Everything that life throws at me, my Savior, the Redeemer of my story, PROMISES that He will use it for my good and for His glory. 

I choose to listen to truth. I choose not to be swayed by the lies of the accuser. I choose to take God at His word. Thank you Lord, for reminding me that You are my safe place, my defender, and that Your promises stand firm.