Reconciliation
I went to court with a friend that I've known since high school. She went through a terrible divorce three years ago and now there is a custody battle. They have three beautiful children whose ages vary, but the youngest is five. The husband currently has custody because she has had some severe mental illness and has been unable to take care of the children. Unfortunately, the husband has tried every trick in the book to keep her away from her kids and for awhile it seemed to be working. He even got a restraining order to keep her away from the kids! I have watched her desperately cry and have seen her pain at the loss of the marriage and children. I've seen the games that both parties have played with each other. How they have both used the children to get back at each other. Its horrifying and sad. The middle child is estranged from his mother and won't even talk to her. I've wondered why, you know? Like wow I am amazed that she lost everything! She is a Christian woman. Then I am reminded of that verse that says; "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, NKJV) In fact in the book of James we are told that trials are actually an opportunity for joy! We learn that the joy of the Lord is our strength. He works out everything for our good.
Well the court date came to see what was to be decided concerning the children and their parents. We prayed in the car before the hearing and reminded ourselves that God's will, will indeed be done and that we needed to trust in what he had. In the past hearings the judge has been known to be totally unpredictable, and angry. We didn't know what to expect. The judge started out by restating both parties complaints and he eventually chalked it up to "he said, she said.." type of war between the ex-couple. He looked at both sides of the story and thought about what would be best for the children. He sternly warned both parties that they need to put the past behind them and move forward. He said that he is not going anywhere and the hearings would never end if they didn't learn to cooperate with each other. He said that the children need a relationship with their mother. The husband was determined to cut her completely out of his life and keep her children away from her. He was angry and bitter. The judge would have nothing to do with that, in fact he recommended therapy for the estranged child and the parents. I was really amazed because in this throw away world God still works- and he used this judge to help facilitate reconciliation. I am convinced that this is Gods heart for every broken relationship. When we have been hurt or betrayed or used or whatever the case, God wants us to have pure hearts, not hearts that are polluted with anger, hatred, and bitterness. When we abide in Him and do what He tells us- we can be assured of victory in our relationships. Its not easy, in fact it often brings us to our knees and it can be a long process. We can take it to the cross and remember what he did for our sins.
I knew the ex-husband and I always liked him. He was just an easy going guy and likable. So when I saw him at court I felt a bit awkward. Then I saw into the pain of the marriage and looked at both of them and I really felt not just for her but also for him even though he has been underhanded in some of his dealings with my friend. I know that they both suffered. As Christians aren't we supposed to be reconciling the world to Christ? If we can't do it in our own relationships how are we going to do it with non-believers? They can see right thru us, we are a walking testimony to the reality of God. That's why we are told; "therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:23-24, NKJV)
Well the court date came to see what was to be decided concerning the children and their parents. We prayed in the car before the hearing and reminded ourselves that God's will, will indeed be done and that we needed to trust in what he had. In the past hearings the judge has been known to be totally unpredictable, and angry. We didn't know what to expect. The judge started out by restating both parties complaints and he eventually chalked it up to "he said, she said.." type of war between the ex-couple. He looked at both sides of the story and thought about what would be best for the children. He sternly warned both parties that they need to put the past behind them and move forward. He said that he is not going anywhere and the hearings would never end if they didn't learn to cooperate with each other. He said that the children need a relationship with their mother. The husband was determined to cut her completely out of his life and keep her children away from her. He was angry and bitter. The judge would have nothing to do with that, in fact he recommended therapy for the estranged child and the parents. I was really amazed because in this throw away world God still works- and he used this judge to help facilitate reconciliation. I am convinced that this is Gods heart for every broken relationship. When we have been hurt or betrayed or used or whatever the case, God wants us to have pure hearts, not hearts that are polluted with anger, hatred, and bitterness. When we abide in Him and do what He tells us- we can be assured of victory in our relationships. Its not easy, in fact it often brings us to our knees and it can be a long process. We can take it to the cross and remember what he did for our sins.
I knew the ex-husband and I always liked him. He was just an easy going guy and likable. So when I saw him at court I felt a bit awkward. Then I saw into the pain of the marriage and looked at both of them and I really felt not just for her but also for him even though he has been underhanded in some of his dealings with my friend. I know that they both suffered. As Christians aren't we supposed to be reconciling the world to Christ? If we can't do it in our own relationships how are we going to do it with non-believers? They can see right thru us, we are a walking testimony to the reality of God. That's why we are told; "therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:23-24, NKJV)
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