Contrary Grace

Have you ever been near someone who goes out of their way to be contrary? No matter what you want to do, what you think, or what you suggest, they are going to prefer the exact opposite. It wouldn't be half bad if you knew they really felt strongly about the thing, but it's that this person wants to do this thing to be in opposition to what you want or what you've suggested!

 I've been there, done that! If I struggle to push my agenda, it never turns out well. Usually, I end up saying or acting ways that don't make me a good example of how Christ works in my life. If I say nothing, it's better than reacting to their being contrary. Unfortunately, it's easy for me to be frustrated, because I just stifled my feelings. The thing is, when I pray for Contrary Grace which Christ can give me, if I let Him, I can allow that person to do what they want or suggested without feeling stifled. I've given up their ability to take something away from me and have responding graciously in return, through Christ's Grace. 

Example of a Brief Prayer

But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. Acts 15:11

I was with someone who was scooping up some free popcorn. They didn't ask me if I wanted any. The person told me that I should get a bag of popcorn and then took it from my hands. They wanted me to get the popcorn for them to eat later.

It's such a silly thing, but it really did irritate me. Didn't that person think about whether I wanted some or not? Couldn't they have asked me if I wanted some before they took it from my hands? I found myself getting frustrated at that person. Then, it popped into my mind that that's not what Christ wants of me. He wants me to be gracious to those who irritate me, but I was too frustrated to be gracious at that moment.

What I prayed was, "Popcorn Grace," and immediately Christ calmed me down, so that I didn't respond to the person in a less than positive manner. Although the "Popcorn Grace" prayer was very brief, I was asking Christ to please give me grace with this popcorn situation, so I would respond in a gracious manner, and He did! It amazed me that He knew and understood my brief prayer and granted me that grace, so I could be more gracious as an example of how He works in my life! I have continued to use these brief prayers which are changing my life and my response to others. If Christ can do this for me, He can most certainly do it for you, as well. Try it...what can it hurt?