Listen:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, FAITHFULNESS, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22, 23
“And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” Exodus 34:6
Reflection:
How do the fruit of the Spirit and especially faithfulness help transform us when in conflict? A conflict can be external, outside ourselves with a person or situation. Or the conflict can be internal, such as self-doubt, pride, or dealing with past wounds. Internal conflict can lead to external conflict.
What can we do when we find ourselves conflicted? Ask, is it external with a person, a situation or internal within ourselves?
We need to deal with ourselves first. I’ve found that by faithfully following daily and weekly practices of prayer and time in God’s word, guided by the Spirit, it can help me with my internal peace. In Lifesprings, we call this practicing our Rule or Rhythm of Life. If I am having trouble keeping my rhythms or I am stalled in my practices I get a partner. Currently Jacque is my accountability friend.
In the midst of internal or external conflict, our faithfulness to call on our faithful God is essential. Scripture implores us over and over to call on the name of our faithful Lord. “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:18
Faithfulness is a two-way street. First we faithfully open ourselves up to God’s revealing light on our situation and ask Him to show us the way forward. Secondly, we acknowledge the amazing, constant faithfulness of God who said he would never leave or forsake us (Joshua 1:7). We have the promise that if we call on Him, He will answer. (Jeremiah 33:3).
Prayer Reponse:
Let’s say Exodus 34:6 out loud…“The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” Now say it again two more times. Dear Lifesprings’ friends, I am so glad we can journey together with our faithful Lord.
—Submitted by Caron Hofer
(Caron returned home safely to California after experiencing a glorious WeekendTogether of God’s faithfulness in Lyon where she enjoyed connecting with the women God brought from all over the world to be encouraged, prepared and connected to impact our communities with the love of God!)
Worship:Great is Thy Faithfulness
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