This is the house guest we had that I posted about some months back.
Things never really got better. We weren't respected in our home and we weren't respected as pastors. When we devised a schedule of shared chores...their response was "do I have too?"
We gave correction and they fell into pity immediately. Woe is me. I have so many issues. I can't submit fully to God so how can I expect to submit wholly to leadership. I can't live up to your expectations and so on. So they left -- our home and the ministry.
They fought submission to the highest degree. And we didn't ask a lot. Just help around the house (they were staying there pretty much rent-free and used all the utilities and ammenities). We asked for a bonding spiritually. Would not comply. Our house guest did get quite friendly with another ministry. We don't hold anything against them. They're our co-laborers in Christ.
Our house guest said they weren't going anywhere. Just wanted to be by themselves. We told them that God said stop running! They left anyway. So we have to watch this poor sheep head off into the wilderness.
We've got another sheep who was so badly wounded from the last ministry they were in, they called to say they wouldn't be back either. They were too scared of getting wounded again. I've sent emails, text messages to encourage them. They've got a teenager and they both really need to stay. I told them forget all formalities and leave your offering at home. Just come and layout in the presence of the Lord and allow Him to heal you.
I'm praying she'll allow God to do just that.
Remember the wounded among us. I remember God speaking in my spirit oil and wine. From Luke 10. To pour oil and wine on the wounded. That's my prayer and that's what I do.
We are still victorious as we prepare to crossover. (Saw the bldg yesterday...almost done...carpet should be laid early next week then we'll get the keys!)
I'm ready to see God work wonders among us. It's been a journey getting to this Jordan!
this just sounds so familiar. I had a similar situation with a single mom and her young daughter we took in. I met them in church, knew her for ten years, so I really thought it would work. But she would not submit to Christ like teaching on how best to get out of the situation she was in. She would not make her daughter eat what was served, she allowed her to scarf cupcakes and the like at the table in front of my kids who were forbidden to eat sweets until after the meal. She whined whenever we asked her help with chores and hid from us most of the day in town. Eventually, she went to another ministry, and we never heard from them again. I often wonder what became of them as her parents were tired of bailing her out. She came to us after getting thrown out of section 8 housing where the rent for her was only 8 dollars a month....yes, 8 dollars. But it was a hog pen. Fleas, bugs and all. You had to walk sideways in every room. I spent over a week trying to help her clean it up, but she was unwilling to part with anything. Broken, worn, whatever, it was bad. I wonder where she is now.
Anyway, it's sad when you give your all and it does not work out because the person you are helping rerfuses to submit to Godly rebuke. God Bless you for trying. Love, Lori
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...... Then they came for the Catholics, and I was a Protestant, so I never said anything. And then, they came for ME, and there was no one left to speak up. Martin Neimoller, German Pastor, WW2
Some people on the planet just DO NOT get it!!! They have no concept of the fact that there are no free rides (or at least there aren't supposed to be). Everybody has a purpose, a job to do. Serving is the price we pay for existing on this planet! The least this person could do was help you around the house. Well sister, loose them and let them go. It's for the best. You don't need them weighing you down.
As for others who are ignoring your help - loose them and let them go too. Focus on the folks who are "with you". Put your energies toward them. There are some people out there who WILL accept your mentorship and they will do as you are asking and be blessed.
These folks just didn't realize what they had. Too bad, so sad.