I have a friend who I’ve known for years. We used to go out partying before my diagnosis, but now I’ve really become grounded in my faith, because God is the only thing that has gotten me through. She keeps saying she “knows the real me” and I cannot possibly be satisfied with this life I have now. Whenever I share something I’ve learned while living with illness or about anything good in my life, she has something negative to say about how much I am missing out on in life because of my illness. I care about her, but I just don’t know if I can continue to be around her right now if she keeps this up. – Kelly
Hi, Kelly,
Do you know someone who is the same now as they were 30 or even 40 years ago? They love to complain and stir up trouble for everyone else. What they don’t realize. . . or maybe care about is the fact that most people change over the course of a lifetime. There are always going to be those who will try to drag you down. . . Some for the better and some for the worse but there’s always that one who thrives on causing or stirring up trouble.
It’s unfortunate because most of us try to improve our lives as we get older. We try to forgive and forget and move on with our lives but there’s always going to be that one who is so unhappy with their life that they can’t stand to see anyone else doing better than them or enjoying their life.
For instance, I drank until I was 34 and I am happy those days are over with. It has been almost 13 years since I’ve let anything or anyone control me but there are others who are still trapped in drugs and alcohol that want to drag you down to their level.
They want you to be as unhappy as they are and you know what? It’s not gonna happen. You see, I’m not proud of the way I behaved when I drank but there are others that were instigators and troublemakers who caused all kinds of problems and they still have that mindset even today. It’s very sad because they live in the past and they want you to stay there. . . buried in misery just like they are and that’s all they can think about.
If you have one of these people in your life–someone you don’t ever think about unless they come knocking (beating) at your front door threatening you and whining that you’ll never change–then just do what I do: give it to God.
There are always going to be those who will try to drag you down and make you feel bad because of something you said or did 20 years ago. Let them know you aren’t the same person since Jesus took control of your life. Don’t let them shake you because you are grounded in Jesus Christ.
When they say they know the real you tell them. . . “No, you are so stuck in the past that you can’t see the change all around you” and that “No, I choose not to whine and cry and live in the past as you seem to have chosen to do.”
You are a new creation in Christ and if you had a past you aren’t proud of then give it to God. No matter what your past is, give it to God and learn to love yourself again. Once you’ve changed as I did so many years ago, don’t let anyone convince you that you are less than a beautiful and wonderful being created by the creator of the universe Himself. . . God Almighty.
Thank you Jesus for taking care of those who want to suppress us and threaten us and keep us wallowing in guilt and despair. Help those who still live this way and help us to keep our eyes planted squarely on you and your wonderful name.
God Bless, Dave
David Brown has been writing poetry and short stories for his own enjoyment for more than 40 years. Recently, he decided he had some things he would like to say to the rest of the world and has been writing non-stop ever since ~ thus the culmination of his three-book series Love Notes From Above. A husband, father and born-again, spirit-filled Christian he offers scripture-based advice and insight on some of life’s toughest topics based on his unique perspective gained through experience on this journey called life.
We have two young adults here in our family with severe chronic illnesses. We are looking for more support for them. They have been pretty badly misunderstood by past pastors who were well meaning but did not understand why they were not healed immediately after prayer. The denominations we were part of taught “faith healing” so that can be condemning if one is not healed. At this point, we are hoping to be part of a christian support group for young adults and their families (possibly)–and are seeking God about this. We are willing to provide the house if God leads that way.
Thank God as each day dawns, the Lord forgives and remembers our sin no more! We have that promise. And also, it is a good thing to remove yourself from those people who are not for you.Who look at you as if they know you. The light of God’s love is just that! It is Light! And it has the power to change us! Bring us out of the old darkness and into his glorious light! I cant remember the scripture at the moment, but its content is, Bad association spoils useful habits!. You are a child of God now, and you are being blessed everyday! Paul, what a remarkable change he made! Although he never forgot what he did in persecuting the Christains, he had to make a stand against those who ran with him to kill the Christains. Im sure he had difficulty with those old friends who wanted to persecute him for his change. Surround yourself with positive, loving people and keep your eyes on the prize. Prayers going out to you hon.