The gun pointed at my face

Last year, I told you the story of a client who pointed a gun at my face and described the damage it would do to my brain. Many people would have responded in fear or shock. Some would have fallen apart or been very angry to be threatened. Thankfully, I didn’t. The Bible says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1, NIV)

Every day, you and I will face trials and tribulations. Maybe not as extreme as a revolver pointed at your head but maybe worse. Have you ever had your life threatened? Have you ever been bullied?

I’d like to remind you what I did that day to win the war over the threat and my emotions. As he pointed the gun at my head, I remember staying completely calm. I lowered my voice and gently said, “Wow, that’s a beautiful gun. Can I see it?” Then I waited patiently for a few moments. Surprisingly, he reached with his left hand, grabbed the barrel, and gave it to me. It was heavy, a 357 Magnum. I’d never held a handgun before that day. It was scary. I then said, “This is beautiful. Can I see the bag as well?” He handed it over to me, and I thanked him. It was also very heavy. It contained loaded clips of bullets. He could’ve killed the entire staff. I realize now that our lives were saved that day by a great God and a gentle answer.

Your answer can either compound a problem or squash it. If you’re an angry person, you may be tempted to react. If your heart is full of frustrations, you may cause more problems than you solve. Proverbs tells us, “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered” (Proverbs 22:24, NIV), and another Proverbs warns us, “An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.” (Proverbs 29:22, NIV) I used to have a wicked temper until I forgave my dad and received healing from God.

Your answers will come from your heart, so make sure it’s healed. Make sure you defuse your temper before it explodes in your face. Because you’re a miracle.

Your friend, Paul Marc Goulet