Bulletproof

 Lord, I want to be a person who stands strong and not wavers to others' expressions, words, attitudes, and actions. 

This was my prayer one day when I was thinking about people who are ... I will say a thorn in my side. In the past, I haven't always dealt with these people the way God wants me to. I have always acted in anger. Yes, I have anger issues. I get tickled sometimes because people see a different side of me. They say "Oh, Sylvia is so sweet." Well just don't make Sylvia mad. My anger became a problem when I did not have control over it anymore and it resulted in outbursts. There is a saying that says, "My attitude depends on how you act." Some people see the sweet side of me, and others see the "other" side of me, and it all depends on how they act or treat me. My thought process has always been I will treat you the way you treat me but that is not God's process. We must love others even when they have done us wrong and this includes being bulletproof.  Oh, this is not easy for me. Especially, since I have been doing things my way for so long. I find myself saying "this is not easy" a lot these days and I am having to endure those "not easy" things in my life. I know God is calling me to be bulletproof.

When I think of being bulletproof, I think of not letting people affect how I feel or the way I see myself or see the situation. Not reacting to their negative behaviors. After all, that is what they are looking for when they look at you with that demeaning look, they are wanting to get a reaction from you. And all the while it’s because they need to feel good about themselves. We all have that person, or for me it’s a few that just make you want to lose your cool. Bulletproof is being able to feel sorry for them, to walk away with your head held high, being able to greet them with a smile, being able to see them the way God sees them, and not give them the reaction they are looking for and to stand strong and pray for them. Bulletproof is doing what God wants us to do. We must be bulletproof against the incessant attacks of the people in our lives and of the enemy because he too plays a big role in these attacks of feeling inadequate and the anger that we experience.

I was cleaning out my documents on my laptop and came across a document titled “Love thy Neighbor”. Apparently, it was something I wrote several years ago about this same topic. I was meaning to start a blog back then, but it was not God’s timing. This is an area in my life that needs healing and God is bringing it all to the surface so that it can be healed. I know what I need to do when my path crosses theirs, it is something that I can’t do on my own. It totally and completely needs to be God! The bible does say to love thy neighbor, and it is also the righteousness of Christ that makes us bulletproof.

Police officers wear bulletproof vests in case they get shot. As believers we are bulletproof and there is no doubt that we will get shot at. The enemy is loading up and firing at us with ammo of guilt and accusation. I know I should not be afraid or threatened by others. I know I can be fearless!! I know my faith will be strengthened. So, I will stand strong and be who God has called me to be! I must do what Jesus would do. What would Jesus do? He would love first!

God is so good!!

My story continues…with healing, love and His provision!!