Confrontations

Confrontations

Hook
You cannot change what you are unwilling to confront.

Many people are frustrated with where they are, yet they have become so accustomed to their situation that they have resigned themselves to fate. Frustration, when not addressed, can either become the fuel that drives us to confront the problem or the weight that pulls us into despair.

Scripture

“Fed up, all the elders of Israel got together and confronted Samuel at Ramah.”(1 Samuel 8:4)

Explanation
Israel had a problem, and the elders were willing to confront it. They came to Samuel and told him plainly what was happening: his sons were not walking in his ways, and their leadership had become a source of concern.

Samuel became angry and upset. He prayed and sought God, which was right. But there is something important to notice: the Scripture records the people confronting Samuel about his sons, but it does not record Samuel confronting his sons about their behaviour.

Samuel had prayed about the situation, but prayer was not meant to replace confrontation.

There is a place for prayer. There is a place for seeking God's direction. But there is also a place for having difficult conversations, asking uncomfortable questions, setting boundaries, and dealing honestly with what is wrong.

Sometimes we ask God to change what He has already given us the responsibility to confront.

Application
What are you unwilling to confront?

Perhaps it is a habit, a relationship, a decision, a leadership failure, a family issue, or a situation you have tolerated for too long.

Don't confuse avoiding confrontation with keeping peace. Sometimes what we call peace is simply the absence of a difficult conversation.

Pray, but don't hide behind prayer. Seek God's wisdom, but be willing to act on what He shows you.

Confront what you should confront, and trust God with what only He can change.

God will do for you what you cannot do for yourself, but He will not always do what He has given you the responsibility to do.

Reflection
What situation have I been praying about that I also need to confront?

Prayer
Lord, give me the courage to confront what I have been avoiding. Give me wisdom to know what to address, how to address it, and when to address it. Help me to do my part and trust You with the rest. Amen.

Discussion Question
What is one situation you know you need to confront, and what has been stopping you from doing so?

Have a fruitful day.

(Dr.) Emmanuel Okoro
(aka Dr. Lift)

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