What's It To Me What They Do?

Crazy friends or family who do dumb things, people I look up to who let me down, or even those I really care for who don't reach my expectations or maybe even hurt me. These are the things the devil uses to mess with my mind the most. Can you relate?

Aside from my own failings, short comings and missed opportunities, these have found their way into my thoughts and added a great deal of weight to my existence.

However the title for this note has been resurfacing from time to time over the past few days, so it seemed like the Lord was telling me it was time to write it down. Funny thing is, I haven't done a lotta writing lately. Maybe even in the past few years. I used to write all the time. Sweet beautiful, intense times alone with God. Seemed like He was guiding my pen on my journal, or keyboard. Sometimes when the tears dried, I'd read what the pen had written and be astonished and nearly, if not totally fall apart again.  It was those words, I knew, did NOT come from inside me. I was merely a tool for the Lord to get the message out... to help me and others get closer to the Truth... to see things how they really were and not just how they appeared to be.

Unfortunately, what Jesus said about the "cares of this world" weighing you down and choking out the good Seed growing in your heart is true. Distractions are everywhere. Its a huge battle! Even good things can be a distraction from the Best. Especially when you let thoughts of those you care about get in the way of the Voice of the One who cares for you the most.

Jesus said this to let him know what kind of death he would die to glorify God. Then Jesus told him, "Follow me." 20 Peter turned around and saw the disciple Jesus loved following them -- the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, "Lord, who among us will betray you?" 21 Peter asked Jesus, "What about him, Lord?" 22 Jesus replied, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You follow me." 23 So the rumor spread among the community of believers that that disciple wouldn't die. But that isn't what Jesus said at all. He only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?" - John 21:19-23 NLT

This may seem off topic, but i think its this passage that has kept coming up and possibly getting me ON topic. Every day, within us we inquire, "What about him? What about her? What about this or that?" When Jesus clearly demonstrates, frankly, that is pretty much none of my business what He does with someone else.

Many times in my life, I've been called a "fixer." I didn't really understand what that meant until recently.When I was a kid and my mom and sister would argue and shout at each other, I thought I had to be the "peace-maker." Sometimes referee. Sometimes arbitrator. Remember, "blessed are the peace-makers?" I took that literally. Later I learned that Scripture meant those who bring peace between God and Man, but that's another topic.

It just seems so natural to me and maybe even some kind of obligation when I see a hurt or a wrong, I have to do what I'm able to do to make it write! Can anyone relate? I guess I really didn't see it for what it was until the other day. My husband was talking about something that was bothering him. Just as a matter of conversation, I came back with some sort of explanation or "solution" to his problem. Maybe I didn't even think it through. It just seemed obvious. That's when he called me a "fixer."  It seems he just wanted me to listen.Not "fix it!" Have you been there? I felt horrible. (Rightly so.)

That's when this theme started permeating my mind. Then there was a perceived rejection by a dear friend. Then another caught in a endless pattern of destructive behavior. Then other loved ones who did shocking and unexpected things. Still others who have no place for my input based on Scripture. (I'm too black and white.)

Dwelling on these things can really make you NUTZ!! Times like that lately is when the timeless Word rises in my heart: "Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you." - 1 Peter 5:7 MSG  So, maybe you ask yourself, "Then what am I s'posed to do? Do I just act like I don't give a darn about these people who are either hurting, blind, or ignorant? Aren't I supposed to help when I can?" I ask that a lot. Sub-consciously and demonstrate it in my actions, or words mostly.

A good friend told me a long time ago, and sometimes I forget, "They only need one Savior." and "You can't be Holy Spirit Jr."  Basically, "Whats it to you?" Only God can help them. Then we're back to the first question. (I was asking God this morning) What am I supposed to DO???? So graciously the Voice I'd longed for came with this gentle reminder. "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8

Isn't it just like our Beautiful God to take our jumbled up thoughts and circumstances and just make it SO simple!! What is there NOT to LOVE about Him???

Resting My Cares in Him,
Rebecca

PS  I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven. - Philippians 3:12-14 NLT