It’s happened again…Someone is miffed over a decision I felt led by God to make. And I really don’t understand why.
I know I’m not the only person who has had friends turn on them, because they disagreed with a decision they didn’t support. Perhaps your friends have walked away. Your relationships have been severed. Your peace has been lost.
While my present situation may not be the same as your situation, the fractured relationship is just as real. And I’m not quite sure what to do about it.
As in other situations where I’ve been stumped, I’ve spoken with a trusted Christian friend, whose wisdom and advice I treasure. She’s told me I did the correct thing. I’ve prayed for wisdom, discernment, and understanding, as to what I should do, and I believe God has led me to understanding.
What it seems God’s telling me through his word, and counsel from godly friends is, I have to follow where God leads. Others are responsible for their own feelings, but should understand the choices I make are saturated in prayer, with the belief I am being obedient to God.
When King David brought the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem, he was so overjoyed, he removed his kingly robe, and danced in a linen ephod. Which to my mind, may have been like a long undershirt. Either way, his wife, Michal, Saul’s daughter, watched from the window of her room, and was miffed, and their relationship was never the same again. Actually, she was more than miffed. She was angry. (2 Samuel 6:14-16)
The Bible tells us Michal disapproved of David’s behavior. But you know what? I’ve yet to find where it says God disapproved.
If you’re in a place right now, where like me, a friend is disapproving, angry, or mad, maybe, like me, you need to think about it. After talking it over with God, and those who offer godly counsel, figure out your desire. Who are you trying to please? God? Or man?
I’m letting that be my deciding factor. How about you?
Show me the path where I should go, O Lord; point out the right road for me to walk. Lead me; teach me; for you are the God who gives me salvation. I have no hope except in you. Psalm 25:4-5 (TLB)
I wish you well.
Sandy
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Sandy Kirby Quandt 
A hard situation, Sandy. I have no doubt your decision was made in complete trust and faith in what God wanted. Blessings and hugs!
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Thanks, Mary. Blessings and hugs right back atcha’, author, extraordinaire!
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These are very encouraging words and even more so in light of the situation.
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Thanks, Carla. I believe the key really is who are we trying to please? God, or man.
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I hope your friend chooses to respect your decision and that leads to the mending of your relationship.
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Thanks, Alyce. Either way, God’s given me a peace about the whole thing, which is invaluable.
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I love this post, Sandy! And yes, I too have been where you are…and it hurts. But even though it hurts, there is still comfort in knowing we’re walking in the path He has ordained. I pray the relationship can be healed, but if not, with His approval, you can have confidence in your decision.
I’m praying now for restoration and healing for your relationship.
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Thanks, Vonda. I appreciate your prayers. Like you said, it hurts, but the key is walking the path God’s laid before us.
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When we put man’s opinion above God’s, we are indulging in idolatry, but it is so very easy to do. Thank you for an insightful post.
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You are absolutely correct, Judith. In fact, I wrote an article for The Lookout about the same thing several years ago, and yesterday, scheduled an edited version of the article to post here in April. Thanks for stopping by!
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I remember a morning Bible study breakfast where we were studying this very thing. As we bowed for prayer, the first thought in my head was “what would my mother think when my husband went to get my daughter instead of my doing it.” The reasons were perfectly logical and logistic. But I was instantly convicted by the thought.
That was more than twenty years ago, and I still have to fight the inclination to people please rather than God please.
I will need to go to your Lookout article, now.
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I think we all probably have similar people-pleaser inclinations from things we were raised to believe. I know I certainly do. Hope you enjoy the article.
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I found the article very interesting and well written. Then I looked around the rest of the magazine and found their “write for us” tab. When I looked at their themes list, I found something I’d like to write for them. Some things are just too “coincidental” to be coincidence.
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Isn’t that the truth. They accept queries 6-9 mths out, but you never know. They may have a need for the article God’s put on your heart to write. Next year’s theme list will probably come out around May. You could contact them to get on their theme mailing list, if you would like.
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