Do you have a person or circumstance in your life that is causing you aggravation? Perhaps it is the attitude or action of someone that irritates you. It may even be a small thing, but it is a source of frustration.
Sometimes, we are tolerating things that we shouldn’t be—and it is right to be honest, confront and deal with those issues. However, there are times God allows aggravations in our lives because He has a greater purpose.
I believe God wants to show you the potential for His glory in that situation that has been causing you ongoing irritation, annoyance or even grief.
The Oyster and the Pearl
Recently the Holy Spirit reminded me of the oyster and the pearl.
The pearl doesn’t start out as something glorious. It begins as a foreign object—a fragment of shell, or even a parasite—that is invasive to the oyster. In order to protect itself, the oyster systematically coats the invader with layers of nacre, known as ‘mother of pearl.’ [1]
Eventually, that which is a constant irritation becomes an object of great worth and beauty.
The pearl has become a metaphor for something of high price, rare and beautiful. Jesus used the pearl as a metaphor in two parables. (Matt 7:6, Matt 13:45-46)
Stay Soft and Release God’s Glory into that Situation
Many people, in order to stop the pain, harden themselves against the source of an aggravation. They close their hearts or become critical and judgmental towards that which is causing frustration.
However, the oyster feels the irritation in its soft tissue.
Your Father says, ‘Stay soft and vulnerable before Me! Allow yourself to feel the irritation and welcome it as a reminder. Release my Presence and glory over that thing that is causing you aggravation.’
When we do that, we are like the oyster. We are releasing the glory of God over that which has been painful. We are participating in Heavenly transformation.
**Unlike the oyster, however, we are not acting to defend ourselves. God Himself is the only defense we need. ‘But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.’ (Psalm 3:3)
Release Forgiveness
The oyster begins to coat the object that is causing irritation with a mineral substance known as nacre. Eventually that thing which was a cause of aggravation has a beautiful coating on it.
‘Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.’ (Col 3:13)
Has a person been a source of aggravation or ongoing hurt? Release glory, release the Presence of God through forgiveness.
Any time you are reminded of the pain, continue to maintain an attitude of forgiveness.
Release Blessing and Prayer.
Speak blessing towards that issue, or that person who is aggravating you. The root words of the Greek word for blessing, eulogeo, means to speak well of. [2]
Jesus said, ‘…bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.’ (Luke 6:28)
Turn ongoing irritation into a reminder to pray for that person or situation.
When you pray, you are releasing the glory of God, you are releasing His power. You are participating in Divine transformation.
An Opportunity to grow in Christ-likeness
Jesus says, ‘Love your enemies and do good to them. This is an opportunity for you to be like Me. You can reflect the nature of your Father in Heaven.’ (Luke 6:35-36)
Then He says, “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” (Luke 6:37-38)
Jesus’ promise of Heavenly overflow was made in the context of forgiveness and releasing others from condemnation.
When we release forgiveness, when we bless and pray in the face of frustration and hurt, God looks at our hearts and He sees something of great value. He sees someone He can entrust with His Kingdom and His power.
Forgiveness is Powerful
When our lifestyle is one of releasing goodness, forgiveness and blessing, then in our extremity we will do what come naturally.
Stephen, at his moment of martyrdom, asked God to forgive those who stoned him. ‘Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”’ (Acts 7:60)
In that moment Stephen stood as an intercessor before God, standing in the gap for those who were against him. (Ezek 22:30)
At the time of his greatest need, Stephen cried out for God’s mercy on his killers. He released the glory of God over his persecutors. A young man named Saul was in the crowd approving of the stoning that day. Later, Jesus appeared to Saul and called him to follow him—Saul became the Apostle Paul.
Make the choice to release the glory of God over that pain, that problem or that person. Your attitudes, words and actions will result in the Holy Spirit transforming that situation into a pearl—a prize of eternal value.
Notes:
[1] See http://www.livescience.com/32289-how-do-oysters-make-pearls.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearl
[2] Strongs G2127, G2095, G3056
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Release the Warrior Anointing of the Holy Spirit
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© 2015 Helen Calder Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching
On team with David McCracken Ministries: Prophetic Ministry That Empowers The Church
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Helen Calder is a prophetic minister and writer, and founder of Enliven Ministries. Helen has a unique gift of equipping in prophetic ministry and prayer. She is known for Enliven Blog (est. 2009), an online resource that reaches thousands of people globally.
Ugh. That’s a good word. Trying to figure out what that can look like in the midst of what we are going through. We have been deeply hurt by our church leadership. Blindsided, accused of things we did not do and berated.
We were left wondering what in the world happened and why were we accused of things we did not do, and by people who we respected and did everything we could do to be submissive to our leadership. Then lies were told about us to others.
The Holy Spirit has been working, but as time goes by, we are left without a church, people are hurt, and it makes me nervous to pour our hearts and time into somewhere else.
I feel like we’re in limbo waiting on something to happen and I’d love to just move on, but I don’t want to minister from hurt or bring it anywhere else. I also don’t feel like God has released us from this situation quite yet and that this has been going on there a while and its time to do something about it. This is new for us, and for our little group of warriors. We are waiting and have fasted, prayed and are continuing to pray, because we don’t want to do anything that God doesn’t want done. It’s His timing and His Will to be done.
This waiting though….its painful.
Sorry to hear that Mandi. Praying for you right now.