It Is Wise To Learn How To Pick And Choose Your Battles

I have learned this principle through trial and error. Trust me when I tell you I have learned this the hard way. At One point in my life I was very feisty and quick tempered and I had no problem voicing my opinion to you. At times it was in a determined tone of voice and at other times it was with a bit of anger behind it. When there was something I was not pleased about I did not hold back my words. That is wording it kindly. When Jesus came into my life it was as if my anger and swearing, yes, I use to swear believe it or not. Both were lifted from my life. Don't get me wrong when I said that, there have been times in which a bit of anger arises in me. The lesson that I learned through wisdom and experience was to not act upon those moments.

If you are sensitive Holy Spirit will guide you as to when to react or not. His plan of reaction is usually in some sort of manner that will not bring shame to Jesus. It amazes me the many times in which I yield to Holy Spirit and the most creative thoughts and words come forth. I often reflect on that and I am amazed at the true wisdom that poured forth. It got the point across in a way that was much better received by the person than if I would have jumped into the "former" me and handled it in my own way.

From this point out you may notice me writing and not referring to Holy Spirit as The Holy Spirit. What I mean is I see Holy Spirit as a person in the trinity. I do not call Jesus The Jesus or a person that is named Ann as The Ann. Does that make sense? Holy Spirit is real in my life and is always there to guide and direct and even correct me when it is needed. I may slip here or there until I get comfortable writing Holy Spirit in that reference.

I was presented with an opportunity to pick and choose a battle yesterday. A person that knows me left a voicemail message that was not positive one bit. I use to work for a company in which I would receive messages from pastors and ministers and I believe my purpose is to be an encourager. That is just what my message does. I have had several pastors, etc. that have left me a message stating thank you for encouraging them with my message. I have a similar message on my home telephone answering machine. I use it as a tool for witnessing and to lift up people. You just never know who will listen to that uplifting message and be encouraged. Yes, even a person that dials the wrong number can be blessed by your message.

I first got this idea from an acquiantance that used these words on their greeting message, "I trust that you're having a great day." Not I hope but trust, that is a powerful word of faith when you use that term. The definition of trust means a firm reliance; confident belief; faith. This person truly does have faith and determination.

Back to my story about yesterday. Once I heard the negative message left for me I rebuked those very words and said that I will not believe or receive them. I am in a position now in which I work and my compensation is totally on straight commission. I had a choice yesterday to let it go and go attain my goal for the day or I could have been sucked into a battle that I was not to be in. Guess what I did? I chose to not react and I did accomplish my goal for the day at work Yeah!

The factor that confirmed me not battling this was I spoke with a woman yesterday that happened to recently hear my voicemail message. I asked her her opinion about it and she told me that it was very encouraging and you just never know who will be encouraged by listening to it. I do not need to defend myself when I have God's people sharing with me that it encourages them. I am telling you people that the people that are close to you in your life can be the very barrier to what you are called to do and accomplish with your life. Just suck it up and keep moving forward. You know that one day you will before Jesus and have to give an accounting of what you did with your life. Your family members, friends, acquaintances will not be there a that moment and you will not be able to blame what you did or did not do on anyone else but yourself. Think about that for a moment and is it really worth losing in the end because of a few ignorant words? No, it is not.

Let me now share with you what my voicemail message states: "Everyone can use some encouragement. So may you be encouraged with these words today. You are the Lords wonderful creation fashioned first with His heart and then with His hands. He rejoices over your talents, gifts, and ability because He chose them just for you. Please leave a brief message and I will get back with you in a timely manner. Thanks and I trust that you're having a great day."

Be blessed this day as you go about fulfilling your destiny, the very destiny God calls forth in your life.