We’ve got your daily encouragement, written by Joe Mummert.
Bible Reading:
Proverbs 21:2
“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
but the Lord weighs the heart.“
Word:
There have been many frustrating times in my life where I feel like a doormat. I have felt confused at times when reading the gospel that Jesus seems to have this quiet confidence, yet when I try to emulate that, I get walked all over. I have always been one who wants to fly under the radar, never cause a scene or be noticed in a negative light. I’ve never been the macho guy that will stand up and get in someone’s face to defend my honor; yet at times I’ve wanted to be that guy.
A couple of weeks ago I had an issue where I made a large purchase at a local big box store and when I got home and opened the box, the item inside had been swapped out for something worthless. I was upset and irritated and calmly went back to the store and explained what happened. It didn’t go as planned (at least in my head) and they essentially told me that they couldn’t return my money right then because ultimately they weren’t sure if I was the one who had made the switch.
Well…no more doormat for me! I got loud and angry, probably caused a scene. I accused the manager of not knowing how to properly do her job, I grabbed my stuff and stormed out. I was shaking I was so mad. I didn’t feel great about how I acted, but I didn’t feel bad either…not right then anyway. A few days later I was able to resolve the situation with the store manager and got my refund.
As I was walking around the store, continuing to shop, it hit me pretty hard. The Holy Spirit told me to find that manager and apologize for the way I acted. Not only that, but to do it pretty specifically, lol. I wasn’t able to find the manager in the store that day but as I was leaving another associate that was a part of the whole fiasco was working the entrance/exit. I asked her to please let the other manager know that I was extremely sorry for the way I was acting. I told her that I try to follow Jesus the best that I can and in those moments I didn’t represent him very well (the specific part). She thanked me and we both went about our day.
I haven’t ran across that manager yet since I’ve been back to the store but if I ever do, I plan on apologizing personally. At the end of the day, I thought courage was standing up to what I felt was wrong or an injustice…yet God’s idea of courage was humbling myself enough to apologize to someone I had mistreated.
Prayer:
Lord, search my heart and know me. Help me to know when I am calling the shots or when I am handing it over to you. Please help me to hear your Holy Spirits voice in all situations! Amen
Skillwork:
Think of some times when you might have been in the wrong when you thought you were in the right. Make amends to anyone you may need to apologize to. It won’t be easy, ask for a trusted friends help…especially Jesus!
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