The Flame Within

Amazing how Satan plans attacks when we’re already weakened. A family member, who I do not communicate with because she is quite toxic and full of anger, completely and out of the blue, for no reason at all sent me a FB message. This isn’t the first time this person has verbally assaulted me, in the message she attempted to trash my character, claimed she knew my “evil” thoughts and motives on certain matters, even brought up completely untrue things, just to ensure my heart was sliced deeply. Which it was! Although, this message hit hard and definitely broke my heart and caused me many tears, it also lead me to Jesus in prayer. Which was refreshing and healing!

I lay here in the other side of the hurt, unable to sleep, as God reminded me several profound truths. I wanted to write them out, as I’m certain I’m not alone in having someone hurt me with a verbal thrashing and the pain it can leave behind. I thought, perhaps
there’s someone else out there who has endured the foul side of another’s bad day. If someone has been unkind to you, it is my hope and prayer that you find peace in these truths.

Truths Revealed During My Prayer Time

1.) People project their feelings toward themself onto others.

I know this is exactly what happened tonight. The hatred and anger has nothing to do with me, but their own world of pain. I have walked away from the dysfunction, simply because it is a form of toxicity that is hazardous to one’s mental health. Thus, I’m not around enough to create such hatred and bitterness. God reminded of of the true condition of their hearts, lost, empty, defeated, and without hope. He whispered to my heart… Pray for her!

Mathew 5:44 “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”

2.). My identity is in Jesus Christ’s unconditional love and acceptance of me.

My identity is not in the defeating untruths poured onto me. I belong to Jesus! He is the only one who has a say in my value and worth! I will rest in His promises and in His unconditional love for me! I will not allow Satan’s attack to shred my ability to serve God whole-heartedly!

Galatians 2:20 “ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

3.) My only job is to love, serve, and please God!

It is not my job to make sure everyone is happy with me. It is my job to treat people in a Christ-like manner and show His love to this se in need.

In fact, living for Jesus has a way of making many people unhappy and insecure. Jesus was perfect and most wanted him crucified. I live for Him, should I expect less, even though His word says; “We will be persecuted for His sake.”

Galations 1:10 “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

4.) People will have to answer for the sins they commit on this Earth. It may feel like they get off Scott free when they attack with such hatred and you refrain from “giving it to them”. It wouldn’t help! Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way! God will take care of it and I can hand it over to him.

Romans 12:19 “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

5.) Never lose hope! I’ve spent many years praying for my family members to repent and turn their hearts to God! At times, especially after getting these nasty grams, it can begin to feel hopeless. Yet, we are called to never lose hope!

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 “Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.”

Friends, Having people spew hatred, bitterness, and lies at you is extremely painful! I know this all too well! I am thankful that God knows what we’re feeling and identifies with our heartache and is always ready to comfort us and show us his loving truths!

Hebrews 4:14 & 15 “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet he did not sin.”

May you be comforted, as I was comforted by our loving Heavenly Father!

Blessings, Crystal