Stephen P. West wrote a devotional for the Upper Room. It's title "Raccoons at the Table". He was camping and one night Raccoons came to visit. they tore into the trash bags. When he woke up there was trash everywhere.
When our son Jon lived in North Carolina his yard was next to a wooded area. Every night Raccoons paid him a visit. They scattered trash everywhere. He had to lock the lids of his trash cans to keep them out of the trash.
Stephen West had three thoughts:
- This is what raccoons do
- They really didn't hurt him
- Next time, he would tie his trash up higher
Have you ever thought of people being the raccoons in your life: going through your trash of weaknesses, scars, and unresolved pain; making a mess and causing problems for you.
Paul spoke about those who preached Christ for all the wrong reasons, trying to stir up trouble for him. Paul learned to let it go. He said, "What does it matter?"
When people rummage through our weaknesses, we have choices in how we respond. We can seek revenge, try to pay them back or remember what Jesus told His disciples; we can be "wise as serpents," and "harmless as doves". (Matt. 10:16) All of us, even troublemakers, are welcome at God's table. We can face troublemakers with confidence in Christ power.
Stephen West's thought for the day - Troublemakers are troubled people. Pray for them!
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