Cheeks

If I have learned one thing about God over the years, it’s that He answers prayers. I know I’ve mentioned before that the quickest prayers He answers are ones in which we are asking to serve. When I was in undergrad and would pray before I got out of the car to walk to class, God always answered quickly. He would put someone in my path to help. He would show me a way to be used, to be a blessing to someone else.

A couple weeks ago, I realized another type of prayer God answers right away. I asked Him to show me parts of my heart or situations I needed to reconcile and forgive. I asked that He soften my heart. He did. It was that simple. I asked one night, and by my morning drive to work, I had an answer. God showed me a place I harbored bitterness and unforgiveness. I surrendered. And I am better for it.

I think that as we learn to pray the right prayers, and as God answers, we start to truly learn to live like Jesus. We learn to meet people where they are. And we begin to understand what it means for God to meet us where we are.

With that being said, I learned this week a different prayer God answers–one I’ve never dared to ask. I asked God to help me pray for my enemies. I’ve always known I need to do this. I’ve understood the concept. But I really didn’t believe it was possible. I didn’t believe people actually do this. I never believed I could, either. But that’s the difference when you are mentally healthy: you are able to ask this and also do it. In previous years, I was not capable of it. I was too hurt, in too much pain, suffering too much. I was imprisoned by my own mind. And even though I knew it was the right thing to do, I didn’t or couldn’t understand the concept. And I didn’t want to.

It’s been an extremely difficult two weeks. I was in waters I’ve never been. A long-time friend became an enemy–an enemy that sought revenge, an enemy who wants to destroy me. But I turned the other cheek. At any other point or time in my life, this would have gone differently. I would have reacted differently. I’m not sure if it’s age, wisdom, my 40’s, God working on me, or all of the above, but I have handled everything in a way I never would have before. And although I haven’t done it yet, I understand now what it means to pray for my enemies. I am seeing the importance of it as well as seeing it with a softer heart. God is working on me.

I never understood Matthew 5:39 which says “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” I understood what it meant but never how to do it. We aren’t to seek vengeance against an evil doer or someone who does us wrong. It should stop with us.

That’s a very difficult thing to do, especially when we are in pain and suffering. But we are called. And when you are mentally healthy and clear of mind, you can put on the shoes of your neighbor and go for a walk. You meet them where they are. And Jesus meets you where you are. And you see their pain. And you feel bad for them–even though they wronged you. You see their suffering. You relate. And you want to pray. And as you pray, God heals you. God deals with your wrongs. He opens your eyes. He softens your heart. He forgives you.

It’s been an unbelievable week–one of obvious growth and enlightenment. A friend of 24 years became an enemy. God opened my eyes, and I didn’t even know I couldn’t see.

“Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done
On Earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom
And the power
And the glory, forever.
Amen.”

Praise be to God for softened hearts and answered prayers.

May God give us eyes to see, ears to hear, wisdom to turn the other cheek, strength to put on the enemy’s shoes and go for a walk, and mercy when we don’t. May He keep us ever mindful of the past, hopeful for the future, and the desire to prepare for it. Amen.