Tough Questions

So, when is the best time to ask someone the tough questions in their life? How is it we know that the "time is right"? When the moment of truth comes and we are confronted with the reality of either talking to them about this issue that must be dealt with or leaving it alone an trying to pretend it isn't there; what is it that we so? How do we do it? Another great question. Do I hit them head on or do I circle around looking for a soft spot to work my way through?

I will, most of the time, deal with the issue but will circle around. Is this the right way?? I would say very strongly... "NO". This is just one way. I think that most often we feel like the way we want to say things/deal with conflict is the right way. When in fact the right way is more likely to be the way each individual handles the situation adding in the wisdom of God. An ingredient left out all too often in confrontation. We simple go the way that we are most comfortable with and kind of hope that God will bless that. The problem is that when we leave God out, we often don't handle things in the way that most honors Him. We handle it in the way that most honors us. That is never a good thing! When we honor ourselves in tough issues we often do more harm than good.

I firmly believe that God guides and directs us in these times. There have been a few times when I have found myself being much more firm and to the point than I would normally be and that i attribute to God (because it went well), there are other times i was not as bold and it did not go well (because I was not obedient). Tough situations are tough, no matter how you deal with them but they are much easier to deal with when you are following the guidance and leading of our Lord Jesus Christ. Not that I have attained this perfectly, but this is what I aim for (to paraphrase Paul).

Lord may You be our wisdom and guidance in the tough situations we experience. May you turn us into the people you desire us to be, have your way with us!!