Bible Verse
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Have you ever noticed how we can be drawn to certain people while instinctively keeping our distance from others? Sometimes the people who make us most uncomfortable are actually the ones God has placed in our path for a reason. Today, we're going to explore a challenging truth: the person you're avoiding at church, the family member who gets under your skin, or the coworker who challenges your thinking might not be your problem—they might be God's tool to make you better.
Short Devotional
Here's what we often miss from today’s scripture: the sharpening process isn't comfortable. When two pieces of metal rub together, there's friction, heat, and sparks. We love the idea of becoming better people, but we hate the actual process of being shaped. So we ghost the people who challenge us, switch small groups when things get real, and convince ourselves that "healthy boundaries" means avoiding anyone who doesn't make us feel good about ourselves.
But what if God strategically places certain people in our lives because they're exactly what we need? That brother who questions your decisions might be protecting you from a blind spot. That sister whose personality clashes with yours might be teaching you patience you'll desperately need later. When we run from every uncomfortable relationship, we're not just avoiding people—we're running from the very thing that could transform us. God doesn't waste anything, including the friction we feel with difficult people. Maybe it's time to stop running and start asking Him what He's trying to teach us.
Let's Pray
Heavenly Father,
I come before You today acknowledging that You see everything—including the relationships I've been avoiding. You know the people I've distanced myself from, the calls I haven't returned, the conversations I've cut short.
I confess that sometimes I choose comfort over growth, and I run from the very people You've placed in my life to refine me.
Lord, I'm asking You to help me see difficult relationships the way You see them. Show me if I've been rejecting someone You sent to sharpen me.
Give me the courage to stop avoiding the person who challenges my thinking, frustrates my plans, or exposes my weaknesses.
Help me understand that just like iron sharpens iron, the friction I feel with certain people might not be a personality clash—it might be Your divine appointment.
Father, I thank You that You love me too much to leave me dull and ineffective. Thank You for caring enough about my growth to send sharpening stones into my life, even when they're uncomfortable.
I'm grateful that You don't give up on me when I resist the very process that will make me more like Jesus.
Give me wisdom to know when to stay and when to set boundaries. Give me humility to receive correction and patience to endure friction.
Most of all, give me eyes to see Your hand at work in every relationship, especially the difficult ones.
In Jesus' mighty name, I pray with confidence that You're transforming me through every person You bring into my life.
Amen.
Journaling Prompts
Who is the person you've been strategically avoiding, and what specific feelings come up when you think about interacting with them?
Have you ever run from a relationship only to encounter the same type of person again later? What pattern might God be trying to show you?
How do you typically respond when someone challenges your thinking or behavior—with defensiveness, curiosity, anger, or something else? What does your response reveal about your heart?
The relationships that require the most courage are often the ones that produce the most growth. God hasn't given up on using every person in your life—including the difficult ones—to make you more like Jesus. Keep your heart open to what He's teaching you, even when the lessons come wrapped in uncomfortable packaging.
Until next time,
May the Lord bless you and keep you;
May He make His face shine upon you;
And be gracious to you and give you peace.
God Bless!
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