| Daughters of Promise Devotional |
NO SECOND HAND FAITH
They said to the (Samaritan) woman, "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world." John 4:42
I'm not sure what to call the dynamic that happens between close friends and family members. Perhaps as I describe it you'll say, "Christine, I know what you're talking about." When one person experiences a life-changing spiritual event, one they are passionate about, it is rare for those who have known them for a long time to embrace the truth they're hearing as their own. They tire quickly of the other person's enthusiasm, rolling their eyes, even poking fun. I'm not sure if it's jealousy but whatever it is, it's a reminder that second hand faith never works. It doesn't matter if you're Abraham's son or Billy Graham's daughter. Cynicism reigns until God breaks through on His own to shatter the sin of their unbelief.
The Samaritan woman, changed by her experience with Jesus at the well, went to share her faith with the people she had known throughout her lifetime. Her changed demeanor was enough to get their attention but they had to run to Jesus and experience Him on their own to really get it. "We have heard it for ourselves," they said. "Now we know that He is the Savior of the world."
If we have a family member who has yet to embrace Christ fully, we badger them, giving our testimony over and over again. That won't do it. We need to live our lives, stop trying so hard to convince them, and release them to God. "Break through the fog LORD, and show them Your glory!" should be our prayer. As for ourselves, we need healing only God can give for the ridicule we've experienced at the hands of those who had the keys to our heart. Familial rejection about that which has touched us at the core causes searing pain. Jesus knows. Jesus was wounded by His own family. His embrace of compassion is not an empty pat on the back. It's power-packed with credibility.
It's hard not to shake those I love and beg for them to listen. I love You and want to talk about You all the time. Show me the wisdom of restraint. I trust You to work through my prayers, not my arguments. Amen
Christine Wyrtzen
Daughters of Promise
www.daughtersofpromise.org
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Do you live in the Seattle area? We are seeking someone to host a Prayer Mapping Training Event in their home for twelve women's leaders in the Seattle area.
If after prayer, you are interested, write to: Elizabethguthrie@bellsouth.net
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