Getting Out of the Way

Here's a really cool story of how God is working through His Word.

One of the Guides brought three upper elementary boys to my office that were misbehaving and not acting like the King’s Kids they are. One of the boys quickly apologized and seemed very genuine for his actions. The other two boys started quickly talking with excuses and blaming. I asked them to sit down on the chairs in my office and I continued the work I had to do on the computer. We worked in silence. They worked on homework. I worked on administrative work. I think they were wondering what would happen. I was wondering what would happen. No one said a word, but I was praying for guidance. These two boys were repeat misbehaving King's Kids. Lectures and consequences did little to correct behavior, and so as I was working on my various tasks, I also had been praying for a different approach to use with these boys.

After awhile, I asked the boys if they were ready to talk. I opened up the Bible and told the boys that we were going to see what the King had to say about their situation. The King directed me to various Proverbs and as I read them, the boys listened. We talked about Proverbs 12:1 – anyone who hates correction is stupid (that’s what the King says!) and Proverbs 12:22, 13:20, 14:9 – all dealing with the importance of honesty, trying to do the right thing and surrounding yourself with wise and good people. I hardly talked – I just kept reading various verses about what the King says about the situation. One of the boys raised his hand and said, “Honestly (saying it very slowly as if trying out the work on his tongue and as if he was walking into totally unfamiliar territory), I haven’t forgiven (my Guide) for what he did to me in the past and I just don’t do anything he asks.“ I again read Proverbs 12:22 and told him that he pleased the King with his honesty. I could tell he was proud of pleasing the King. Then the other boy had something honest to say. Honesty suddenly became contagious!

I then went to Matthew 6:14-15 about forgiveness. The boy looked very solemn about the King’s message that if he doesn’t forgive, then the King won’t forgive him and then said, “I need to apologize to (my Guide) and do what he tells me.” What a moment! Because I had waited to respond and waited for the King’s direction (yes, I even need this story!) and let the King do the talking, I found out much more about these boys’ hearts and thoughts then I could’ve found by a 10-minute discussion – or lecture – and the boys got so much more out of it. It was such a powerful moment. The boy went right to his Guide and apologized very genuinely. I could tell a change took place in that boy’s heart – even if for an instant. I pray that this is just the beginning of great change in this boy’s life.

Just wanted to share it with you!!