Have you ever came face to face with a hostile person? Yeah, me too! Thankfully, I was warned, and I did have time to prepare.
I’m surprised that I even accepted the invite to the meeting just knowing this was an inevitable circumstance. I typically avoid confrontation at all cost. But in hopes of being helpful in an important and delicate situation I kindly agreed.
Every encounter, I was told, she cussed, argued and threw adult tantrums. Meetings and appointments revolved around her rough exterior. Everyone else trying to keep the peace and hold it together.
I knew with this heads up I needed to prepare. Not just about what I was going to present to help at the meeting but how to handle the hateful and accusing words that were surely going to get hurled my way.
My weapon of choice? Prayer.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
I prayed for peace and calm. I prayed for the right words to speak. For wisdom and understanding. I prayed for me, I prayed for them… and I prayed for her. I prayed for everything that I could think of that would make this meeting go as smoothly as possible.
And then I prayed some more on the way there and walking through the doors I held my head high and took a deep breath.
I spoke what I had to contribute. Then she looked at me sternly trying to incite fear and with intimidation began her tirade. With each comment she made I looked directly at her with complete peace and confidence and replied: “Thank you for sharing that with me.” “I appreciate you telling me that.” Thank you for letting me know that.”
I was respectful, confident, caring and calm. I didn’t agree with her, but validated each of her concerns.
As my part was finished another gal walked out with me, she turned to me and asked, “how did you do that?” Do what? “How were you so calm, how did you do that?”
I answered, “Honestly, my faith. I prayed a lot before this meeting. I prayed for peace and the words to speak – its God, not me.”
If it would have been me, without prayer, my tongue would have been tripping over words and I would have been cowering somewhere off in the corner! Remember- I hate confrontation, avoid it at all costs!
But it felt good to contribute. And it felt even better to have peace, confidence and integrity in that meeting.
Because after all what could she really say about me? I respected her, was courteous, and validated her concerns.
God answers prayer. When we have an attitude and willingness to do well, and ask for His help- He shows up!
I know things don’t always work out this way. But maybe this is the only picture of God those people will ever see – that day in the meeting.
