Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate) Faithwriters Challenge
Topic: Elephant in the Room (12/05/13) – Highly Commended – Top 5 Award
There is an elephant in the room. What, you don’t see it? Oh, you see it but you prefer to ignore it. That’s typical. Confrontation is something most of us don’t like.
It’s easier to pretend all is well. Besides, confronting the elephant could mean we might get stomped on or at the very least come out bruised and scarred. Easier just to look the other way.
What would God have us do in this kind of situation? Confrontation doesn’t necessarily mean attacking someone or condemning them. Nor does it mean controlling a situation to gain power and have it our way.
Keep in mind that Scripture tells us to avoid strife. So, confronting the elephant in the room isn’t a license to attack. Proverbs tells us that a fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. Wow! That says a lot. Further we are told that a fool’s mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul. Therefore, we are to avoid strife.
Hummmm. What does that leave us? We are taught by Jesus, that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Is it possible to face an elephant with those attributes? There is a simple answer to this question. If you can’t, then don’t. Recognizing an elephant in the room doesn’t always mean overt action is called for. Jesus said that the two greatest commandments are to love God with all your heart, your soul and your mind and then to love your neighbor as yourself.
Prayer is the first step. Seek God for the answer to this dilemma. Don’t get in a hurry to come face to face with that elephant! Pray for guidance. Pray for God’s timing. Pray that God create circumstances that open a door to the situation and give you the wisdom to speak into the situation in a way you can be helpful without condemnation or judgment.
It is the Holy Spirit’s responsibility to do the convicting and the teaching. So, prayer is first. If God has a part for you to play in the situation He will make it clear and the timing will be right.
God doesn’t get in a hurry. Neither should we. Leave the elephant alone unless God directs you otherwise. Keep the Scriptures mentioned in mind to avoid costly circumstances.
Today's Word From God 
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