I was walking away from the pantry one evening with a handful of roasted cashews, when our Schnauzer barked to go outside. Turning around, snack still in my right hand, I grabbed a few kibbles of dog food with my left.
Once we were both on the half dark porch, I popped my favorite snack into my mouth. Except that’s not what happened, not exactly. You see, I chose the wrong hand, and I’m here to tell you that dog food tastes nothing like cashews.🥴
Recent interpersonal conflict at work has provided a few such “On the other hand” moments. One committee meeting grew so confrontational, it left a horrible taste in my mouth.
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Philippians 1:27 (NIV)
These words of wisdom, from the Apostle Paul, ran through my mind during the meeting’s immediate aftermath. Sequestered in my windowless classroom, eating a slow motion lunch, I realized something anew: I loathe hostility.
Of course, I went home that afternoon and lamented, at length to my wife about it. She listened politely, and then said the following:
This situation will effect all your relationships. You must come up with a plan to deal with it.
Nancy Duncan
Who comes up with a plan to stop interpersonal kryptonite at 6 o’clock in the evening!?😳
But then I thought of a blogger friend across the pond, a guy from the UK who has weathered plenty of relational storms. Thank God, he also stays up late.😊
I log on, and sure enough, Andy B, from Berry Bunch Family Ministry is online. I tell him about the dust-up at work and ask him to pray for me. He promises to lift the situation up to God.
Well, he and his wife, Jo must have prayed about it–before lights out–because I felt much better within minutes!
Kind reader, I was in no shape to say the right words to God myself, but a brother in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, said them for me. The power of intercessory prayer is real.
Thank you for reading. 🙏❤️
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
James 5:16 (NIV)
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Davids Daily Dose 