I tried flushing my eye out with water, but that only seemed to intensify the burning. By the time I rinsed my hair, towel dried it, and opened my eyes to look in the mirror, my left eye was beet red and it hurt something awful.
Now, loyal Daily Cup readers know, the simplest things in life cause me to contemplate deeper lessons. This time was no different. I thought about how, when the shampoo was applied to my hair, it left my locks fresh and clean. But, that same shampoo, when it seeped into my eye, caused pain and irritation.
Similarly, in life, we cannot assume that, just because something works in one area or capacity, that it will automatically work in another. This is especially true in relationships. All too often, we fail to compartmentalize our relationships, so we open ourselves up too much. For example, just because you get along with a co-worker very well, doesn't mean God has ordained them to be your "best friend." Their values, beliefs, and views may greatly contradict your own. Perhaps, they will pull you in the wrong direction if you align yourself too closely with them.
Even in relationships with the opposite sex, just because you have a few things in common with a person, and have "strong feelings" for them, does not mean this is "the one" God has ordained you to be with.
Who am I blogging for today?
I'll give another example. You may see someone that seems to be wise and well put together in a specific area like: Business, finance, or fitness. You may admire their wisdom in those areas, but it doesn't mean they should suddenly be tapped as your mentor to guide you through all areas of life. They could very well be ill-equipped to provide wholesome advice about personal relationships and other confidential matters. They could have issues with integrity, co-dependency, pride, and all sorts of things you hadn't even considered.
Only God knows who a person really is behind the mask, which is why we must trust God to lead us and teach us how to compartmentalize relationships. Otherwise, we'll allow folks to "seep" into places God never intended them to be. As a result, just as that shampoo did when it leaked into my eye, that person who isn't meant to fulfill that slot you've stuck them in, will end up burning and irritating you.
I wish I could get an amen right there from somebody that knows what I'm talking about!
Listen. There are reasons and seasons for certain people being in our lives... and some should never be in our lives. In fact, if we are in tune with the Holy Spirit's leading, He will tell us to steer clear of some people completely. We must consult God to understand this fully and be careful to never ever jump ahead of Him.
Before you make any permanent and lasting decisions regarding your relationships, you need to step back and ask God, "Do they belong there?"
You just might be surprised by the answer you receive. In fact, you may already know the answer that God has planted deep in your spirit. But it's up to you to obey His voice and surrender to the Lord's will. No one can make you do that, however; you have to make that choice.
Today, I strongly encourage you to seek God concerning any alliances you create. Make sure He is apart of it. You see, when God places someone in your life, He places them there with a purpose... and everyone's purpose is not the same.
So we're not just seeking God for "who" should be in our lives, but also for "what" purpose they have been assigned to us.
Sadly, some of us are hurting right now, because, figuratively speaking, we took that shampoo which should have remained in our hair, and poured it in our eye. We took a relationship that should have remained platonic, and made it romantic. We connected with a person that should have been nothing more than a casual acquaintance, and made them a close confidante.
We have to be so careful.
As I close, I want you to know that God cares about every area of our lives. He doesn't want to see us hurt or led in the wrong direction. The Father desires for us to make wise choices, so that we will be able to fulfill our purpose in the earth for His glory... and keep from getting unnecessarily burned in the process.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!
Dianna Hobbs
www.empoweringeverydaywomen.com
