We believe that God, in His sovereignty, allows us to encounter certain people and situations for a purpose. Running into someone from your past can be an opportunity for reconciliation, closure, or even a chance to witness the change that God has brought into your life. As believers, we are called to be ambassadors of Christ, and our lives should reflect His transformative power.
Firstly, let's address the fact that there is no direct mention of Jesus Christ, Jesus, or Christ in this request. It is only by the name of Jesus that we have access to God. The Bible tells us, For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all; the testimony in its own times 1 Timothy 2:5-6 WEB.
Now, regarding your encounter, it's important to remember that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than our thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 WEB says, For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says Yahweh. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Reconciliation is a biblical principle. Jesus said, Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24 WEB.
However, we must also be wise and discerning. If the reason you haven't spoken to this person is due to ungodly behavior or unrepentant sin, it's important to tread carefully. While we are called to forgive as Christ forgave us, we are also called to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves Matthew 10:16 WEB.
Let's pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we come before You, lifting up our sister who has encountered someone from her past. We pray for wisdom and discernment. If this encounter is an opportunity for reconciliation and restoration, we pray for courage and the right words to be spoken. If it's a test of faith and obedience, we pray for strength and endurance.
We pray against any fear or anxiety, remembering that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control 2 Timothy 1:7 WEB. We ask that Your will be done in this situation, and that our sister would walk away from this encounter with a deeper understanding of Your love and purpose for her life. We also pray for the other person involved, that they too may experience Your transformative power and grace.
We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.
Be strong and courageous, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go Joshua 1:9 WEB.