Joseph and Jessa when I was in college I had a wise friend tell me that my problem was that I didn't know how to say no. She had been listening to me talk about my heartaches, situations where I got myself into a pickle, times of frustrations and feeling like I had been manipulated. Being the oldest of five girls I honestly hadn't considered that I was weak in this area. Embarrassingly, it took two more friends telling me that I to grow a backbone to finally admit my need to mature.

I have seen a direct correlation as I have been reflecting on the book of Amos. He was not a professional prophet but he delivered a straight forward message to God's chosen people. As a nation they had basically told the prophets to shut up. So God sent a man who worked with figs and sheep to deliver the punch of truth. Amos knew specific things that they had done and they would be held responsible to pay the consequences. The best part is when they tried to "fire" him he wasn't on the payroll. ( Amos 7:10-15)

God has used numerous people like Amos in my life. I have been challenged most often by people who were not working in their professional capacity. God gave them the opportunity and wisdom to say exactly what He wanted me to hear. I'm not always open and teachable because my ugly pride side gets defensive. BUT GOD... In mercy catches me off guard by using an "AMOS" to hit me upside the head with the 2 X 4 of truth. My prayer for us is that when we hear a word from the Lord that we will listen and humbly respond... the first time!

Proverbs 12:15

The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.

Song: Ancient Words