pray. let go. bless.

Favorite Husband is such a better forgiver than I am.

Last night, we were the recipient of someone’s choices and judgements.

After we took a deep breath, we began processing it all and let me tell you, the discussion continues.

I wanted to post a note on FH’s Facebook page because I knew that the individual would see it. I wanted to tell them that they have judged this man too harshly – that they had no place to throw stones or be arrogant. I planned the whole thing out in my head – Then I heard this:

“Neither give place to the devil.”

What?!

I know the scripture by heart, but sometimes you just have to look it up.

Ephesians 4:27-30 (KJV)

27 Neither give place to the devil.
28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

I sat there and just soaked it in.

I wanted to join the ranks of those that pontificate about an injustice toward a loved one on social media and then feel justified by all the comforting comments. But I knew – I KNEW that action was giving place to the devil. We certainly could rant – well, I could – about all the crap that we’re needing to give to Jesus. But those words – that rant – is giving place to the devil. As justified as I would feel (and let me tell you, I would bathe in it), I serve the God who holds the scales of justice in His mighty hands. I’d rather run to Him and give this situation over to His infinite wisdom than to continue to hold it in mine.

I firmly believe to rant on social media would be taking justice in my hands and telling my Heavenly Father that I know how to deal with this better than He does. It’s pride. It’s giving place to the devil. There’s no mistaking it – the enemy of our souls is ready to take a place whether we realize we’re giving it or not. How do you know if you’re giving place? Some of it is obvious – but the best solution is asking Holy Spirit to shine a light on it. He is ever faithful to do that if we ask him.

So my mouth continues to obediently stay in a place of blessing so that my heart can follow it.

Does the injustice continue? Yes.

But it’s ability to coax me into battle doesn’t continue.

I’m choosing to pray. let go. bless.