God’s Way

Cultivate the fruit of the spirit in your life today.

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.”  (John 16:13a)

In my house growing up, “getting it right” was important. We were encouraged to stand up, help, act, even if you were afraid, tired, hungry, or cold.  Growing up I developed a strong super ego, as Freud would say.  When I was with friends or family, I continue to fight that super ego to show compassion instead of judgment in difficult life situations.

Recently I was talking with my sister and our emotions starting getting the best of us. I wasn’t sure what the “right” response was, and I said a quick silent prayer for God’s intervention.  God gave me a gentle answer to share, which took her off the attack and me off the defense.  With those soft words, we were able to come to an agreement.

I did it the “God way”, not the “right way” according to our family’s inherent code of ethics.  This outcome brought peace to her and to me instead of the tension and anger that often prevails in a fight.  I came out of that potentially World War III battle unscathed, thanking God for his wisdom and direction.  His guidance lead me to a new behavior that I would never have found on my own.

I thank God for the times I’m wise enough to open myself to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. The Spirit has made my family something it could never be left on its own.  I’ve learned to be supportive and helpful and forgiving in ways I’d have never imagined possible, just by listening to that still small voice in the midst of tension and frustration.

Father, When emotions run high remind me that You are the God of Peace. Help me to be quick to come to You and swift to give Your peace to others.  Amen

Questions: How are you doing? Are you doing things your way or God’s way?

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5 Responses to “God’s Way”

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• Winnie says:

  May 18, 2012 at 6:04 am

  I really love tis site and todays devotion about doin tings in GODs way nt my way hs really blessed me and to want to be a better person.thank u so much
• Kahu says:

  May 19, 2012 at 1:38 am

  I think I’m doing it both ways. I really don’t want to but when I try to do that which is right and end up doing that which is wrong. Sometimes, when I do things right I’m doing it right. Anyway, just saying
• Doris says:

  May 23, 2012 at 11:25 am

  So glad you stopped by and left your comments Winnie and Kahu! It is always important to do things God’s way and not our own way, but as the author says, sometimes our upbringing or our personality gets in the way.

  Kahu, you sound much like the Apostle Paul in Romans 7:14-28. He too wanted to do what was right but did what was wrong. Read those verses and you will recognize yourself I think.
  We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

  21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

  This is where spiritual breathing comes in…confessing the sin and asking God to again take control of our lives by His Holy Spirit. This article explains it more for you http://powertochange.com/experience/spiritual-growth/start/
• kahu says:

  May 23, 2012 at 6:45 pm

  Thanks for responding Doris, Knowing about the predicament of the Apostle Paul does hit close to home and it’s sort of humorous in a way. I can just say I and a work in progress.Not yet perfect,not any good. lol
• Sharon says:

  May 30, 2012 at 5:11 pm

  good article it is hard sometimes to do it God’s way but we think we can do it ourselves but it is often that God says do it my way it is better thank you