Harassment

Galatians 5:7-8

You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you.

Day in and day out, we are hindered in some fashion.  It is just a fact of life on this planet.  I have hope that when in Heaven these hinderances no longer pester us.

It is important to understand the nature of these hindrances.  Is this an act of God or an act of man?

In 2 Samuel 16, David and his troops were walking along and this crazy guy named Shimei started cursing David and throwing rocks at him and his mighty troops. David’s warriors suggested they cut off Shimei’s head.   David’s response was “Let him alone, and let him curse; for so the LORD has ordered him.”

What David experienced was a hinderance of a man, yet David knew a deeper meaning - he knew this was of God.  Had David credited this offense to Shimei, David would have had him killed.  In stead, David walked away a more humble man knowing that God had corrected him. 

How are we to know the difference between a man’s harassment or whether it is God who is bringing the pain? 

God will let you know! God doesn’t just speak, he roars like a lion - ever so softly! The world desires to drown out His voice and seems to succeed way too often. Get quiet - maybe do this for as long as it takes. Hours in the quiet are always a good idea when you are desperate for understanding. Always, during this time open the Bible and let God speak and you will soon understand the wisdom and understanding He has for you. Then you will know the source of the pain in your life.

This is not a one time experience. Your soul will hunger for this time with God. The world will do everything it can to interfere. Make it a habit daily and you will find a new way of life, a new peace, in the midst of pain and harassment.