TODAY'S FOOD FOR THE SOUL John 14: 15-27 TODAY'S RHEMA John 14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
"Mom, I cannot unravel the tangles," said a teenage girl while holding out a thin silver chain necklace that had become twisted. She sounded like she was about to cry. "It's a birthday gift from her grandparents last year. Today they're coming, so I'm dying to wear them. But when I took it from the jewelry box, this necklace was tangled and couldn't straighten out at all. If I force it, I fear I will damage it. What should I do, mom?" Her mother grabbed the necklace from her daughter's hand and smiled softly as she said, "You watch as mom handles it, okay?" Then she put the necklace on the table and with two pin-piercing needles she poked and tugged at the crumpled necklace slowly. Immediately, the tangles loosened and completely straightened out. There are times when we experience a conflict that entangles our lives so badly. We try to cope with it in a variety of ways, but instead of improving, the situation gets even more knotty. The misunderstanding is getting complicated, hatred is growing, and bitterness is deepening. It seems no one can salvage the situation. Then we wonder, are we really supposed to give up and just leave it, or end the relationship?
At times like this, there is only one way out. Like the above teenager who sought her mother's help, we too must come to the Holy Spirit. Bring every conflict in prayer and entrust everything into the hands of He who will touch and soften our hearts and the hearts of people in conflict with us. He is also the one who will give wisdom so we can act and speak right.
Then you will see that which seemed impossible, slowly unraveling before our eyes. The problem will be solved and peace will return. We can then enjoy true independence which God bestows upon our lives.
REFLECTION Saudara Terkasih, Depend on THE HOLY SPIRIT and HE WILL TEACH us to overcome conflicts and He will free you from TERRIBLE CONFLICTS.
APPLICATIONS 1. How have you handled conflict over the years? 2. Why do you need to rely on the Holy Spirit? 3. What steps can you take to be able to disentangle the various conflicts in your life? TODAY'S PRAYER "Dear Father, I admit that I am no longer able to overcome the conflict I am facing. Work in me, Holy Spirit, teach me how to unravel the tangled situation of my life, step by step. Thank you, Lord. In the name of the Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen."
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