THE PRAYER OF A SISTERExtra from Volume 7#4 by Angela P. |
|
I can’t imagine life without my sisters. God gave me three sisters; each one is so precious to me. My desire regarding my sisters is that we would be best friends, with only true love between us. This is where life can get tricky for me, because true love means no envy, no pride, no self-centeredness, no bitterness. May I share with you two lessons the LORD is teaching me in my relationships with my wonderful sisters? I will list them as prayers because they are areas that I need the LORD’s help with every day:
1. “LORD, teach me to love (my sister).” There have been times in life I have felt very little natural love for a sister. Perhaps it was because we had recently had an argument, or maybe it was because of differences in our convictions. I realized my heart was so wicked, I didn’t have it in me to love. I needed God to give me love for my sister. In one situation I experienced, it took several years of praying that prayer and showing love without the natural feelings, before I saw God answer. Now love comes easier, and there is a ready affection between us. You see, Romans 5:5 says that the “the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” When we realize the amazing love of God for a wretch such as ourselves, God will teach us to let His love overflow our lives into the lives of those around us. May we, like a plant that is watered, be nourished by the refreshing love of God and let the water run off to satisfy some of the other thirsty plants nearby (i.e., our sisters).
2. “LORD, teach me not to compare myself with (my sister).” God says it isn’t wise (II Cor. 10:12). Ten years ago, I never struggled with comparing myself with my sisters. Now, however, my sisters’ talents and personalities have blossomed. Sometimes, I want what they have—beauty, talent in music and sports, winsome personalities, special relationships, even spirituality. Why, I have often thought “Lord, my sisters seem to act more Godly than I. What is wrong with me?” I felt like I struggled to obey God in every area of my life. I saw my defeats and their victories. Bitterness easily took root. My mom would often remind me that God has made each one different. Each one is precious to the LORD. I also learned that God teaches each of us in the way He chooses. The path God has me on is different than the paths He has my sisters on. Psalm 25 became very special to me. “Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me…Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He teaches sinners in the way…The humble He teaches His way…Who is the man that fears the LORD? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses…The LORD is my shepherd…But godliness with contentment is great gain…Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ ” (Ps. 25:4,8,9,12; 23:1, I Tim. 6:6, Heb. 13:5)
Whatever our area of sin in our relationships with our sisters, let us remind ourselves that Satan wants to destroy our relationships. He wants us to be bitter and angry. I want no part in the devil’s schemes, do you? Of, course not! We want to obey the LORD. We want to learn to love selflessly. I, for one, am learning not to view myself as competing against my sisters to see who is more Godly. We are on the same team. All of us someday will be like Jesus. Now that is wonderful--praise the LORD!
Angela (27) P. and loves gardening, learning to make nourishing foods, teaching children, and serving her family. |
|
