For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

~James 1:20 ESV

Cheese Guy was not his name. Yet to me, and now to you, he shall forever be known.

CHEESE GUY APPEARS

I was in a checkout line–my destination still a few minutes away. As I waited, the couple ahead of me squabbled with the clerk. I was already slightly annoyed that I was late, so their disagreement did my schedule no favors. Then, seconds later, the man threw a flyer at the cashier.

“Can you read? What does that say?” he commands.

“Sir, the discount is on this brand of cheese. The sale doesn’t apply to the brand you chose,” the attendant said softly.

CHEESE GUY RANTS

Unmoved by facts, red-faced, and with veins popping, he screamed, “You can’t read! Let me speak to a manager.”

My eyes caught the attention of the customer behind me. All this emotion and over cheese? With glances, we exchanged an entire conversation of disbelief. This bully needed to be confronted by someone without a job to lose. Finally, a manager approached from the side to assist “Cheese Guy” with his deep wound over his non-discounted dairy purchase. Cheese Guy’s reaction must be about more than cheese, I thought to myself. 

 

 

CHEESE GUY TEACHES ABOUT ANGER

My journey through anger has been slow. God has moved me forward—inches at a time. I’ve fought, prayed, cried, resisted, and at times excused my angry behavior. I’d love to say it’s been a quick process. I would welcome instant healing. Instead, I’ve repented more times than I can number. Anger has at times loomed in my life like an invincible giant. But with God, I’m making progress.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

~Galatians 5:22-23a

We all have our personal Goliaths to face. Nothing has caused me to confront my temper like marriage, parenting, and homeschooling. But these areas have quickly revealed that patience is the major cause of my anger.

I confess. I’m no beacon of calm. Had Cheese Guy continued his attack, he would have seen I have the same fault to overcome. I’m deeply grateful God is faithful to make me better. I am a work in progress. But God is committed to making me more like His Son, and I am committed to trusting Him. He wants to do the same for you. I pray you will realize God’s power to help you overcome whatever battle you face. Nothing is impossible with God. As we lean on Him, He delivers us.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

~John 14:6

Hiding a wound is no substitute for healing it. Until we humble ourselves and allow the mercy and grace of God to invade our total brokenness, we will live in bondage to the flaw even if we manage to disguise it. True righteousness comes from Christ alone—so lean into Him. Please know God can work victory in a yielded heart. Don’t be discouraged if you’re not there yet. Jesus Christ is able. He is The Way. He knows how to get you to His good plans and how to lead you to the green pastures He has for you.

What has God delivered you from?

Lord Jesus, thank You that You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Help me follow wherever You lead as I expose every weakness to Your grace. So, help me to live life so joy-filled and free that the Spirit traits are contagious to those around me. I thank You for Your ability to save me to the uttermost and deliver me from all giants of the body, mind, and heart. Amen.

 

Genre: Non-fiction

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