1. How can I maintain peace when I am in the midst of fear, challenges, and suffering?
While the Old Testament is written to and about the Nation Israel, there is much we can glean from their Bible characters and experiences. For example, look back at Jacob, Joseph, Joshua, and David’s lives. What was their response to danger and were they able to maintain peace? How? Think on these things.
Fear is a God-given emotion to flag us to potential danger to determine if there’s a need to do something. We have also been given other resources today in the Body that help us navigate life yet maintain peace. Focus on those most important for you:
a) Know God Will Recompense: It is God’s place to take vengeance and reward evil and good, in His time. We can then rest, trusting God. We are to minister good for evil and “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” (Rom. 12:16-21- Read this section in context.)
b) Focus Above on Spiritual Things: “…righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost… follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” (Rom. 14:17,19. Read also Colossians 3:1-3)
c) Be Self-Aware: Who or what is ruling your thoughts: “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” (Col. 3:15)
d) God Uses Sufferings to Teach: Realize that there is resultant glory as we go through tribulations and struggles, and they can work for our good. (Rom 5:3-5, 8:18) Expect challenges, be prepared, and know how to glory in them. II Cor. 12:9-10: “…My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me…for when I am weak, then am I strong.
2. I feel the need to talk to a friend regarding sin I see in their life. Any suggestions?
Pray for a wise and discerning heart as feelings can be deceptive; we don’t always know the whole situation. Use wisdom: think long and hard on whether it will be profitable to address an issue, how to do it, and when. Ideally, wait for them to ask for advice. It’s often not our business. We might disagree with their choices, know that they are struggling, or only see part of the picture. It is their life and God gives them opportunity to learn from mistakes in their journey, just as do we. It can be hard to quietly watch. Prayer is often the best choice until we are fully convinced that someone needs an intervention or to be confronted.
Think on this: Sometimes it is our love duty to warn a dear sister when she is in spiritual danger. (Yet, I have put my nose into things at times before I should have, learning the hard way to trust God. We each have access to the Word, prayer, and meditation to make wise decisions. We all make mistakes through life, as will your friend. Be there when she needs your ear or asks for help.) If you choose to talk to her, wait for an opportunity to minister. Less is more. Graciously speak from your heart, speaking the truth in love (Eph. 4:15), as charity covereth a multitude of sins. (I Peter 4:8)
3. How can I help a friend who constantly is talking, never allowing others a word?
This can be a challenge, as women tend to talk a lot. Addressing it directly can backfire and be quite hurtful to your friend and your relationship. Pray for an attitude of patience, endurance, and love. You can set boundaries and carefully deal with breeches of protocol in love. For example, when she interrupts or talks over you: “I’d like a moment to share a few things,” “Oh, I wasn’t done, please give me a moment.” Or “Please excuse me, I’d like to finish.”
Before directly addressing the behavior, ask yourself a few questions: Have you accepted this infirmity of her flesh or exalted it out of proportion? Is it just irritating or does it injure you or others, causing major problems in the Church? Think and pray about these things.
Realize your flesh is just like hers, your issues may be different, but we all have the same flesh and need God’s grace. We can become law enforcers or spiritual fruit inspectors, seeking to correct all the behaviors around us, but this would clearly be the law, not grace.
If you make the decision to address it after careful thought and prayer, wait for the right time, when it is most likely she will be open to suggestions and alone. Speak from godly love, as a helper of her joy. If she is not open, accept her choice, continue your prayer, and decide if you are spiritually able to continue the friendship in love, though she may not change. Can you love and accept her where she is spiritually?
4. When our personal illness impacts what we do, how can we adjust our ministry, redeeming the time?
We are ambassadors for Christ, and servants, whether healthy or not. The quick answer is that we are to view life through the eyes of the Lord. We have a circle of influence and skills, abilities, and opportunities. Look at things from a new perspective.
Re-evaluate where you are and what you want and can do given your change in circumstance. Brainstorm ideas you desire; how and when will you try them? (Cross off ones you cannot do anymore, giving them to the Lord.) A few ideas: pass out self-made tracts when shopping or at drive through windows. Write letters with Scripture and send them to encourage and edify.