How in the world can conflict be a good thing? I continue to learn how Father uses conflict
to bring to light problems that were hidden and needed to be surfaced in order
for their destruction to come at hand.
If we learn how the enemy works against us then we will embrace the
unique yet unlikeable role conflict has in our Christian lives. The enemy likes to bring confusion and lies,
and he does so in ways that are hidden to our understanding. Like the princess and the pea story, where
the princess had a hidden pea that caused much confusion and unrest, literally,
in her life, so does the enemy plant little peas of lies and problems in our hearts. For the princess, however, the problem to be
resolved was done with adding more and more mattresses for her to be able to
sleep, not ever really addressing the true problem, the cause of the
conflict. In our lives we try and
address issues that surface, yet are blinded by how the enemy has cleverly
hidden the root of the problem. Conflict
is a natural consequence of unaddressed root problems, and unfortunately the
conflict is often times an explosion that can really bring hurt and
damage. This is the intent of the enemy. Yet, I see within the confusion and hurt the
hand of Father. I see how He allows
conflict to erupt in order for us to recognize the rooted issue, which often
times is within ourselves. He uses the
conflict that the enemy orchestrates to sharpen and discipline us for His
glory. Within conflict, our true selves
appear and like a cloth that has been removed from our own mirror we see where
we have believed a lie; an untruth. The
shock of Truth brings humility to us and a desperation for change. The enemy tries to use it to bring
condemnation and more lies, but if we look to Jesus within those times we find
forgiveness, unceasing love, and a gently rebuilding of truth. Healing comes after conflict if we trust God
with our hearts instead of placing blame on Him for the conflict.
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of
righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11
“Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined,
purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at
the appointed time.” Daniel 11:35
Blame towards God for anything wrong in our lives is pure
foolishness and the result of a faithless heart. Let
yourself be trained by discipline, let yourself humbly receive correction and
rebuke from Him.
