I'm still a strong believer in a good word at the right time. I think sometimes God uses us in cool ways -- sometimes when we're obedient to Him and other times just randomly -- by having us say something that is perfect timing for the ears that hear it. I think that is kind of what a "prophetic edge" is. It's God's special timing and touch, supplying us with just the right thing to say.
While I still believe in this strongly (and love it when it happens), I believe I learned a lesson recently that really adds some perspective to it. I think the perspective is like the parable of the seeds and the sower. The seed was the "Word of God." Now, if you stop right there, that phrase will sink in. We are not God. Trying to speak for God is a scary thing. But if and when God does utter something through your lips (it does happen, let's not even argue that) it is a divine thing. It is special. It is kind of like a little miracle. It's powerful. But Jesus pointed out that not everyone is ready to hear what you have to say. Some of the seed fell on rocky soil, where it couldn't take root and didn't bear fruit and grow. Some of the seeds did produce growth, but that growth was choked out by weeds (the worries of the world). And some seed fell on good soil, which produced rich results.
So, sometimes I can say just the right thing (which is an exciting feeling), but it not have the effect I desired. I cannot control another person. Even if I somehow provide for them just what they need to hear -- God's wisdom for the moment -- they can choose to ignore it, or they might be distracted or messed up even, and not hear it.
Going back to a past event earlier this year... I had a conversation with a friend who had told his wife that he wanted a divorce. Let's call this friend "George." In that first conversation about this, I used some strong language to get his attention and even brought up the similarities between suicide and divorce -- people giving up hope.
I had written a song with my old band (Lust Control) called "Don't Kill You." Some of the lines were about this lack of hope:
"Don't kill you; let someone else see through the fog..."
and
"Don't kill you; it might clear up next year."
Sometimes, when things are bleak, it can appear that they'll never get better. That's when a lack of hope turns to despair. When one spouse thinks that their marriage is hopeless and will never get better, they've lost the "vision" to see that maybe a year from now they'll be basking in the joy of perseverance and the strength of making it through trials together. I had hoped that my friend would have the faith and hope to imagine him being fulfilled with his wife in the future. Even though he told me that I'd given him much to think about, it didn't appear that he took my advice. Months later he took things a million steps farther and killed himself.
While I haven't really been dealing with guilt over this (I'm pretty sure I haven't felt that), it did kind of put a dent in my belief that a perfect word was like a perfect weapon -- it'll do a miracle every time.
I really do believe, look for and long for those perfect words to share at the right time (forcing them at the wrong time stinks -- that's almost like saying the wrong thing). But perfect words have to be heard and acted upon; and that's where the responsibility to the messenger or spokesperson ends. You can't really force someone to change.
I recently watched Black Snake Moan, which was like an old, dirty South story with the same moral lesson. You can reach out to someone and try to help -- and it's a beautiful thing when it's received -- but the other person has to make the changes with their will and their choice.
Interesting, huh?
Posted by Doug Van Pelt at July 23, 2007 09:47 PM