Sleep on it!

Full of anticipation, I waited to receive the beautiful lantern I'd bought on eBay! Unfortunately, the glass jar was so slanted that I couldn't balance a candle in it, so I wrote to the seller…and received some very unkind words and many exclamation points in return!

His response really angered me at first! I immediately wanted to respond with the same tone and leave a bad review on eBay, but God's quiet voice told me to wait…

I had the feeling God wanted to tell me something, but He didn't do it right away. Once again, I had to decide to act immediately against God's will or sleep on it for a night. During the night, the answer came to me. This person who had stirred my anger was someone I didn't know, but God knew him. And He loved him—very much. As much as He loves me! That made me think.

"This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." (1 John 4:10, NIV)

God's love is a gift that none of us deserve—not me, you, the pastors at our churches, and not that seller on eBay. Yet, God had given me His love. So, why shouldn't I give it away? "Let us love one another, for love comes from God…" (1 John 4:7, NIV).

I wrote to the seller that he wouldn't receive a negative review from me. I just had one request: "The next time a customer has a question, please respond with love and not a thousand exclamation points. Because there are always solutions."

His response was immediate, and tears welled up in my eyes! He sent two emails right away, apologizing for his behavior, and said, "I will take it to heart. I'm sorry again."

If I hadn't waited on God, I would've reacted unkindly. Waiting makes space for God to work in our lives. Hate can be defeated, and love triumphs in its place! That's what happens when we decide to love in spite of everything!

You are a miracle!

Déborah