Believing the Best...
Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 3:38AM 
And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way.
Each month I give away a $10.00 Starbucks gift card to someone who posts on my blog. So leave a post, share an insight or story, bless lots of people, and just maybe you'll win a jolt of java for you and friend!
I had a powerful show yesterday with bestselling author (and godly woman) Joanna Weaver. If you need a fresh reminder that you don't have to earn God's love, be sure to listen in. You'll be blessed indeed. Here's the link: Live the Promise with Susie Larson (and Joanna Weaver)...
Now, on to my topic...
We all go through seasons in life when we feel especially vulnerable and our insecurities feel close to the surface. During such times it's easy to misread people and situations.
A trusted friend suddenly seems disloyal and distant. A co-worker pulls back and seems to be spending time with someone who doesn't like you. You walk into church and nobody seems interested in talking to you. Your pastor walks right by without noticing you. You no longer feel like you have your boss's favor.
When one or more of these scenarios happen in a short amount of time, it's easy to connect the dots, draw certain conclusions, and then react accordingly. Just recently I talked with someone who had a number of 'dots' out there. He had some legitimate reason for concern, but deep in his soul, he sensed that God was telling him to believe the best about others, not to jump to conclusions, and to continue on with doing the right thing.
His response was exactly right and at the end of the day, the little mishaps fizzled to nothing. Imagine if he would have taken the bait, gotten big and reactionary with his friends and co-workers, and stepped out of the authority and assurance that he had in Christ Jesus.
We may have some real 'dots' out there, just begging to be connected, but that doesn't mean that the picture actually exists or is an accurate one. We need the mind of Christ not to draw wrong conclusions.
From now on, we regard no one from a worldly point of view (2 Corinthians 5:16).
I cringe when I think of how many times I assumed people had bad motives when they didn't, or I assumed they we're mad when they weren't. Thankfully, many of those times, I kept my feelings to myself and brought them before God and found my footing once again. Interestingly enough though, I learned that in many of those situations, those people we're enduring their own struggles and would have greatly benefited from an extra dose of grace and love (which comes out of fullness; reactions, on the other hand, come out of emptiness).
We all tend to misread people and situations when something in them resembles a past painful experience for us. We must take responsibility for our actions and reactions, and we must pursue deep inner healing so that our past no longer has the power to diminish our current perspective and relationships. Remember too, the enemy overplays his hand when it comes to our unhealed areas. He prowls around, just looking for an opportunity to magnify a problem or skew a perspective. His goal is to get our eyes off of God and onto our fears and hang ups. He wants our past to keep speaking to us. He wants our wounds to perpetuate themselves. And he wants us stuck in the prison of an earthbound perspective.
You've probably heard me say this before, or read it in one of my books, but it bears repeating. If the devil can get us to live in reaction to our circumstances rather than in response to God, well, then, he has succeeded at stealing our joy and robbing us of the abundant life to which our souls are heir.
Determine to believe the best in others this week. Even if their motives are off, you stay in the shelter of the Most High God and declare, My salvation and honor depend on God alone. HE is my mighty rock and refuge (Psalm 62:7). Determine too, to believe the best about God. He has your best interest at heart every single day. Even if your circumstances scream something different, refuse to draw a conclusion that disregards God's promises to you.
For the Believer, the only conclusion that matters is the one God has come to regarding us. We are worth everything to Him. We are loved, called, equipped, and chosen. We have everything we need and then some.
Have a blessed week~
Reader Comments (16)
I'm reading a book by Edward Welch called, "When people are big and God is small." It relates to what your saying here. Thanks for directing me to have an accurate view.
Bless you Susie~
I've been looking for a podcast of your radio show, but haven't been able to find one. Does one exist, or are there any plans to create one?
Thanks!
Shawna
Determine to believe the best in others this week!!! Love it!
Praise God for bringing me right here, right now, this moment to read this blog-- which I don't always do. DITTOOOOO on this message and mans story. I mean I am just sitting back being quiet, 2 days -almost 3 just seeking seeking seeking Him to reveal to me this silliness coming at me. I know the truth. I also am female & human it does hurt.... its so discouraging BUT i am sitting back, tired, staying in obedience EVEN though I dont feel the divine encounters and fulfilment of the HS.... i know He is there because I am learning to trust and stay in faith no matter what. PERFECTO Sharing... God is so cool, so cool! Thank you Lord! Thank you for Susie, my sister in Christ!!! Amen!! xo
I want to know more about the book you're reading! What are you learning?
May God continue to set us free from the fear of man! We are free indeed! When God's opinion is the one that fuels us, then we can get on to the Kingdom business for which we were created!
Bless you, sister!
Thanks for stopping by!
To answer your question about the show podcasts, just go to: www.faith900.com and find my show's webpage: Live the Promise - once you get there you'll see a lineup of past shows. If you aren't able to find the podcasts based on these instructions, just email me at: Susie@faithradionet.com and I'll send you a link.
Thanks, dear! Bless you~
You certainly speak for all of us! And you conveyed it so well! I think the answer to finding freedom is most certainly time in God's presence, an understanding of His Word, a commitment to guarding our thoughts, a watch on our words, and an unrelenting trust that God has our backs! He is our Defender, Deliverer, Vindicator, and Provider. Oh, how I love Him.
Bless you!
That's SUCH a sign of spiritual maturity! You are a mighty woman of God! It's something how these things come up for lots of people all at the same time. It's like the enemy shoots a bunch of the same arrows at the same time. May we not allow that enemy to single us out and take us out!
Here's to staying hidden in the shadow of His wing - trusting Him to protect and defend!
Bless you~
So glad God spoke to your heart today! Bless you! As I mentioned in a couple of previous posts, it's sometimes a fight to stay in that place of faith, to stay hidden in Christ, and to trust Him to defend and deliver!
He works ALL things together for the good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
Blessings to you!
You are RIGHT! It's NOT our job anymore!
May we entrust ourselves fully to the One who delivers, defends, and protects us!
Bless you~
Welcome! I'm glad you're enjoying the 'Grateful Kids' book!
May God continue to bless and encourage you through this blog and the book!
Peace to you~
However today felt different - discouraging in a way I had not felt in a long time. Your entire post fit, but I especially needed to hear the reminder: "If the devil can get us to live in REACTION to our circumstances rather than in RESPONSE to God, well, then, he has succeeded at stealing our joy and robbing us of the abundant life to which our souls are heir."
Such PERFECT words for me tonight...Thanks Susie,Jenni Carlson
Well, once again I am painfully behind on my response posts. So sorry! I am so grateful that God spoke to you and helped you remember your rightful place with Him! May God continue the deep healing work He has started in you. I know He will. Bless you.