Kennisha Hill,
Author of "Simply Wisdom"
Simply Wisdom Excerpt
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Chapter Four: Everyone is not on your team
My mom told me years ago, "Be careful of who you make friends with." I could never understand what that meant, until a little later in life when people who were considered "friends" took advantage of my kindness and never repaid it back. I always considered myself to be friendly. I get along with everyone, I love good conversation and I try to be a listening ear. But, sometimes who you are just wasnt enough for some people. I learned a tough lesson through those experiences- you can't please everyone and not everyone who calls themselves your friends will really be there for you. Sadly, this is a harsh reality.
Have you had a similar experience? It can be very hurtful and discouraging when you present your news to your family or friends and dont get the feedback you were looking for. I realized there are many reasons people react in a mode different than you expected. Sometimes instead of being genuinely happy for you, they inwardly become jealous of you and your success. Sometimes they want to be happy, but your news may cause them to regret not moving forward in what they want to do.
Disappointment from your friends is often felt as a gut punch to the stomach. This is where we need to realize who we are in Christ and that the only person we need approval from and to trust is God.
Jeremiah 17:5-10 reads, "This is what the LORD says: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD. He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.
The truth is there are times in our lives when we really need to step back and trust God without always running to other people. It is so easy to put our trust in man. We have friends that we may consider very reliable. However, God is far more reliable than any friend we will ever have. I love what my Pastor said one Sunday morning, "Sometimes you have to tell some people See Ya". Not everyone will really be there for you no matter if it's the best of times or the worst of times. Not everyone is thrilled that God is doing something awesome in your life. I don't care how many hugs they've given you or how many times they call. Some people are only attracted to drama and only want to hear when you're down. Some people want to make sure they are superior over you. If you experience this type of discouragement, there is something you should understand. They are not your real friends. The bible says we should encourage one another to do good works. We are supposed to uplift each other in the faith; not tear each other down. We are supposed to be a light and not push others into darkness.
Years ago my god-mother told me, "Sometimes you just need to be quiet about your business." This is one of the toughest lessons I learned. If we constantly give ear to what other people say, we will not be able to hear what God is saying. Our minds will become cluttered with everyones opinion. This is not healthy if we are trying to depend only on God. In this chapter, I would like to leave you with a word of wisdom; pray and wait until the Holy Spirit reveals when or if you should tell people
and then be sensitive to the Spirit about who you should tell. This will only eliminate possible heartache, which is a known stumbling block and source of discouragement.
I encourage you to put your trust in God more than you do your friends. Sometimes you may feel like I do sometimes; like all I have is Jesus.
But, God shows me that He's always there and will never leave nor forsake me. We serve such an awesome God who always proves to us just how much he loves us and cares. He wants us to go to Him first and rely only on him. People in this world will only disappoint us. But when you know you have a Heavenly Father who looks at you and sees his precious child, you'll be comforted. Trust in that. No one else matters. What matters are you and your walk with the Lord!