Consider the Options | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Consider the Options | Previous Challenge Entry
By Elaine Hemingway
05/04/17
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Eleanor thought about the Bible Study of the evening and flung her purse onto the table. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she considered all the comments. No-one in the group was aware of her position so she couldn’t blame them for the way that so many observations had challenged her train of thought. Her problems had almost overturned her decision to try to continue life as normal without sharing her dilemma. But it wasn’t normal for her to attend the study on her own. Lying was not an option she had entertained but she had skirted the questions as to why Simon wasn’t with her. It was more a question of handling the truth carelessly rather than outright lies she tried to tell herself. But it was no good, guilt flooded her mind and the silent tears escalated to sobs.

Simon had been unfaithful. He had succumbed to temptation on an office trip and another co-worker had hastened to give Eleanor the information under a deceptive cloak of sympathy. Oh no, he hadn’t denied it, but neither had he accepted the blame. He had blustered and justified and accused but so far as he was concerned she needn’t make a big deal of it. It wouldn’t happen again.
How could she be sure?

The study had looked at Proverbs 9 focussing on Wisdom and Folly and had generated much discussion. An explosion of grief and uncertainty fractured her mind like storm clouds breaking and it was some time before she decided to share her problem.

###

The message on my mobile phone was shocking and heartbreaking. It was as if I could see her; the swollen eyes, the dripping nose, the slumping shoulders. I could feel her despair and the lack of joy that should ideally over-ride all circumstances. How could she cope with the thought that her husband had been unfaithful? And how could I counsel when she quoted the Bible verses that gave her justification for her plans. I couldn’t be judgmental but neither could I condone or compromise.

What is the greater sin – lack of trust or infidelity? Both are related in this instance. Christ and sin both impose on our lives and we have to choose between them. Wisdom and Folly as we see in Proverbs 9 compete for a place in our lives, Wisdom being Christ and Folly being sin, whether of the carnal sort or not.

I had to persuade her not to entertain negativity and allow the sorrow to despoil her spirit.

As Christians, we all can expect times of testing. Our choices must be carefully balanced when we consider the options of what we allow into our mindset. Entertaining negative thoughts can upset the balance of our Spiritual life and quench the Holy Spirit and His ministry of teaching, guiding and strengthening.

Proverbs 9:1 tells us Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars. Matthew Henry explains this as the church being Wisdom’s house, to which she invites her guests, supported by the power and presence of God, as by seven pillars.

Henry Blackaby in his Experiencing God teaching, tells us that the church can be instrumental in confirming God’s will for us.

Trust is a choice we make. Life is made up of choices and when we have been infilled with the Holy Spirit our first choice must be to allow Him to direct our steps as the fount of wisdom. Only under His guidance can we find peace and experience the joy of a close relationship with the Lord.

The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge. (Proverbs 9:13) She tries to block out the voice of wisdom.

We need to remember the words of Isaiah, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.”

I tossed and turned, wondering how to help, and then, like David in Psalm 56:3 I said, “Whenever I am afraid I will trust in you.”

Trust in God and His Wisdom will bring us to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

Non fiction embellished with a fictional introduction.

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