As our time here draws to an end here (flying back to the States on January 6), the Lord continues to give ministry opportunities. For the next few days we will be working with a believing family that has a total snarl of unhealthy relationships. There’s no way they can be solved because every session devolves into “he said, she said, they said.”
In praying about this, the story of the Gordian Knot came to mind. The story was that whoever could untie the knot would become the emperor for all of Asia. Alexander the Great tried to untie it to no avail; finally he took out his sword and cut through it, effectually untying it (that incident happened about 100 miles from Ankara about 300 BC).
The only way we are going to see progress in this family is if they follow Joseph’s example of fully forgiving his brothers, even though they did not repent or ask forgiveness. That act of obedience and trusting God cut through the anguish, bitterness, hurt and resentment that was surely there in Joseph’s heart. Such forgiveness freed Joseph up to serve his master well and eventually become the second in the kingdom.
Pray with me that all the members of this family will be willing to forgive as fully as they have been forgiven, and to obey Colossians 3:12-13 “…as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
If they will do this, what a victory that will be for the Lord, the family, the church local and national! Thank you for your prayers.