by Brad Boyles
Sometimes it has to hurt in order to draw genuine Godly repentance. It’s not a concept we like to think about, but it is true. Though Manasseh’s acts were heinous and evil, God allowed for him to suffer temporarily in order to be restored eternally. In thinking about this, I’ve wondered what role we should take as bystanders to such a situation? How should we pray? What should we do? How much should we be involved? The truth for many of the kings was that they simply refused to listen to prophets. Some did, but most did not. Even though the truth of God was spoken, it wasn’t enough to deter human nature. Sometimes it has to hurt. The truth for many we know today is that they simply refuse to listen to Christians. Again, some do, but most do not. Even though we could hammer them over the head with the truth of God, if the timing is not divine, it will only potentially push them further away. I know many who wield this weapon regularly. Sometimes it has to hurt. It can be the most difficult thing ever to see a spiritual downfall just waiting to happen. This is especially true for those whom we love deeply or those living under our own roof. We long to see them transformed but must trust God with the details. Yes, sometimes it has to hurt. Does this mean we simply don’t care? Far from it. It means we care so much that we trust God with doing what He does best – heart change. And yes, those who step back and pray that the consequences will turn a rebel heart will experience just as much hurt and pain. But this is what we signed up for as Christians. We carry burdens. We pray. We trust. We commit to others and relentlessly pursue them just as God pursued us. We offer grace and truth at every turn. Where are you possibly trying to control a situation where consequences must take place? Where are you hammering away at truth statements rather than letting the Holy Spirit do His thing? The hurts we experience today cannot compare to the glorious transformation that will come from trusting in Him.