Week 6 | Alex

In the book spiritual authority I was completely knocked off my feet. When I read the part about God breaking us I completely resonated with that. I feel like after I got back from my missions trip last summer God completely broke me down. It was one of the most unpleasant things I've been through, but I am really glad that God did put me through it. It was really confirming to read this passage and see what I feel like I have been going through. I had so much pride that God really stripped away from me, making me feel vulnerable and useless. I really do see what he means though in the line where he said "it is not necessary to advise one, who's foot is crushed, to walk slowly". I feel like I do hesitate on acting now to really see if it is wise, really a blessing that God has given me. It has hurt and it still does, but I do see that I cannot be used by God if I am always putting myself and my own thoughts in the way. I also really liked when he talked about authorities and how they do not need to seek out people, but people need to seek them. I really see this as cool because authorities are grounded in god and god alone and they do not need to meet the expectations of those under them at all.

From covenant relationships it was pretty good for me reading about counseling friends and the such but what hit me hardest by far was dealing with reconciliation and the way to go about that and the steps. It really hurt me because I realized how bad I am at bringing up problems and dealing with them. I think what hurt the most was that my brother called me while I was reading that chapter and it really messed with me because lately we have not had a very good relationship. I have felt like he has become extremely overbearing, especially in his faith, and he pushes his opinions on me. I realized it has been easier for me to not deal with it because he lives farther away, but now I see that God is really calling me to talk to him about it because I love him. I can't just keep going along resenting him, I need to bring up the issue. I think that will be really difficult because he is older and as I said overbearing, but I need to Look at myself first and do what the book said in claiming my own stake in the blame and looking on how we can fix the situation rathear than place blame. So if you guys could be praying for me in that I'd really appreciate it.