Nikki's Notes

My family and I have been back in the states for a little over a month now. We are enjoying this time the Lord has given us to be here. Seeing friends, spending time with family, and catching up with many churches has already been the topic of our busy schedules. While I have been very much encouraged by the love and generosity shown to me and my family, I’ve also been somewhat dismayed at the burdens pastors, friends, and family have shared with us. I wanted to take a few moments to address one of the main issues we’ve faced.

Please let me begin by saying I am not writing about this in order to point fingers or even to say I have all the answers. The Lord knows I am far from learning this truth myself and I am truly trying to share with you what He has been teaching me. It’s a DAILY struggle for me that I constantly have to ask the Lord to help me with, and that’s why my passion for this subject is deep.

Around the end of last year I was reading I John 1:7 – “If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another.” Now, this was certainly not the first time I had ever read this verse. In fact, it’s in my repertoire of memorized verses and I even know a few songs correlated with it. However, this time when I read it I felt an immediate urge of conviction.

The verse clearly tells us that if we are walking in the light – meaning to be walking without sin with Christ – then we will have fellowship one with another. I can present this in another way, too. If I have aught with my brethren, then I cannot possibly be walking in the light. Convicting, huh?

Think about it. If there is ANYONE in your life that you have aught with, you CANNOT possibly be right with your walk with Christ. I know, I know – “You wouldn’t believe what they’ve done to me!”- Trust me! I get it! It’s a terribly hard pill to swallow. But this is truth from God’s word!

Arguments amongst friends, conflict in the home, church splits, etc…the list goes on and on. Do you know how vindictive and downright mean Christians can be? Wow! It’s disgusting and very disheartening! And all in the name of Christ! What a shame!

So, what should we do?

Christian, I beg you to forgive! I beg you to allow yourself to be broken before the Lord and let Him do a mighty work!

Have you ever told someone you’re sorry even if you are 100% convinced you did nothing wrong? That would be a big piece of humble pie to eat, wouldn’t it? Have you ever gone to someone truly broken before the Lord – not because you’re trying to impress someone – but TRULY DESIRE TO WALK IN THE LIGHT?

Our friendships are broken, our homes are broken, our churches are broken because of our PRIDE. What needs to be broken are our spirits towards the Lord Jesus Christ. The only time the Lord can truly use us, can truly speak through us is when we are broken.

I have SO MUCH to learn in this area. As mentioned before, it’s a daily struggle that I am constantly seeking the Lord’s help on. Pray for me. I desire to be used in a great way. I desire to walk in the Light.

May God help us all.