“Lord, I need grace I don’t have.” I sat on the couch in his office and silently prayed for God to help me to respond kindly. Across from me sat my boss who was a Christian man, and I worked at a Christian school.  Over the course of several weeks, he had questioned my capabilities, misrepresented my motives, stripped me of responsibilities I loved, and placed me on probation.

I’d started working at the school way before he did. In fact, I’d grown up there. I met Christ as a middle school student in a chapel service, and it was my joy to give back and serve as a teacher to young people in the same classrooms I’d sat in for six years.  

Except now, this new boss was a thorn in my flesh. For some crazy reason, he just didn’t like me, and I might lose my job because of it. But it was more than just a job – it was my ministry, my heart, my calling. I’d spent over a decade working there and loving every moment.

I didn’t know what to do, so I went back to my classroom and closed the door. I sat in a student desk and placed my open Bible in front of me and asked God to help me. I needed His direction. I didn’t know where to turn, so I turned to my Master first. 

It was the 22^nd day of the month, so I read through Proverbs 22 and prayed over each verse. When I got to verse 11, I heard the clear voice of the Holy Spirit give me my marching orders:

“He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.”

Really, Lord? I understood exactly what God was asking me to do, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to be gracious and loving to a man who wanted to destroy my life. I spent a few minutes crying out for God’s strength, praying for God’s blessing over my boss, and asking God to help me to serve with joy in the midst of a very uncomfortable situation.

3 truths from Proverbs to help You Respond with grace even when it’s hard:

fill your words with grace.

The kindhearted tone and intent of your words can help to diffuse a very difficult situation.

• “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. ” (Proverbs 15:1)

when in doubt, stay quiet and don’t blurt out your true feelings.

Instead of letting your emotions lead, lean into the Spirit and silently intercede for wisdom and grace..

• “A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.” (Proverbs 29:11)

Pray for opportunities to bless people who may not be so easy to love.

The best way to soften a hard heart is to keep watering that ground and being generous with your actions.

• “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” (Proverbs 11:25)

Need more help to keep fighting with wisdom and grace? I’ve put together a 30-day challenge to walk you through Proverbs, God’s book of wisdom. Visit the shop and purchase your copy of the devotional study journal.

You can also sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and  grab a copy of the first 5-days of this study for free in our Faith Fuel Library.

Rather than shrink back and grow disillusioned, we are called to step forward and get diligent. We win the war by washing the feet of the very one who is opposing us.  

Whenever I am tempted to start complaining about how someone is treating me, I remember that Jesus picked up a towel and basin and kneeled before Judas to serve. He set the example for all of us to follow. We are called to represent Christ by redoubling our efforts to serve even when we aren’t rewarded.  

I don’t know where you are standing today, friend. Perhaps you have a difficult boss or a negative neighbor. Maybe you are accused of something you did not do, or you are giving your all in a place where no one recognizes your hard work.  I want you to know that God sees you striving to obey His voice, and He is pleased by your sacrifice.

And by the way, I kept that job, and when that boss resigned to move to a new school, he shook my hand and told me how his opinion of me had changed. He recognized my faithful efforts, and I found favor in his eyes. 

Here’s the sweet lesson I learned during that very difficult season:

when we ask God for help, He will give us the grace to stay in the fight and faithfully serve — even when it’s hard.

 

Let’s Chat: what verse from proverbs has helped give you much needed wisdom during a difficult season?

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