Christians, I am reminded of a time when we were on the receiving end of an accident due to human error. The apartment complex where we were living had a maintenance man who hit the gas meter to our apartment with a riding lawnmower. A complete accident. The gas company came out, removed our gas meter (and the upstairs neighbor’s meter) as well. There was some miscommunication. The gas company actually removed the meter THURSDAY afternoon and did not bring them back until TUESDAY morning. Four and a half days without gas meant: no hot water, no heat, and no stove or oven to use to cook. At the time our son was 7 weeks old (it was the end of October early November). It’s interesting, through this process, God showed me that ‘Accidents are Opportunities’ for character qualities to come out.
What that means, is that when an accident occurs in your lives, all parties involved will have the ability to show the character they possess. You can easily see what people are like, when you interact with them in these situations, and they will see what you are actually like. On that Thursday evening, the maintenance man, came to the apartment and told us, “there is something wrong with the meter, and they had to take it off.” It was not until the next day, he admitted that he had actually hit the gas meter. He caused the accident. The apartment management, the gas company, and the maintenance man, as well as all of us, had the opportunity to display our true character qualities.
We endured the test with minimal complaining to each other, and we prayed for the maintenance man that he would not feel horrible. We used it as an opportunity to exhibit the love of Christ in the midst of difficult circumstances personally. The apartment company allowed us to use some of their facilities, which was nice of them. Overall we overcame the experience and God used it to show what was in our heart.
I think back to another accident. There was a time that a man backed right into my mother-in-law’s car. As soon as he got out of his car, he immediately began to adamantly say that the dent he put in her car was “already there”. My mother-in-law showed him mercy and grace, it was a small dent, and she did not press the issue. However, the man was exposed as one who would lie and throw accusations around in the face of an accident which was low quality of character. I am sure we can all look back at times when we showed low character, and hopefully we are maturing and growing in our walk with God.
Christians, I say all of this as a warning and wake up call. As favored children of God, we have supernatural protection and provision, so when something happens, we have to realize God is specifically allowing it, to test our character and qualities. How do we treat people who have wronged us. Do we threaten, curse, and belittle them, or do we pray and turn the other cheek. Do we forgive? Do we forget? God tells us in James ‘to consider it pure joy, whenever we face trials of many kinds’. He says that the testing of our faith develops perseverance!
Accidents definitely are a test and trial. Remember that because when someone wrongs you, do not look for retribution or justice from THEM. God sees them, He is judging their character, and He will return to them that which they have sown. Be of noble character when accidents happen. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. For God sees and knows everything about your decisions. Be aware that God is watching, make Him pleased by displaying the love of Christ and the fruits of the Spirit to all those involved. Trust in the Lord, He will work everything for your good, in due time, in His timing, in Jesus Name, Amen.
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Colossians 3:12-14 (NASB)
A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. Matthew 12:35 (NIV)
But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)
Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4 (NLT)
written and posted by Daniel Poggensee | 2016
roadcrew 40|3 