By: Jessica Huber 

I am over it! I’m Done! I’m tired of being taken for granted, I’m tired of being used and taken advantage of! Im tired of only being called when it’s convenient for the other person.

Have you ever been tempted to just call it quits? No more chances? Done and Done? When we find ourselves in a position where we are being taken advantage of, it can lead to the feelings of resentment and bitterness. Our hearts may be little hurt and conflicted. You want to do the right thing, but at the same time.. it just doesn’t seem fair to be a doormat. Right?

So it is important that we seek our counsel from The Lord and not what our heart is telling us to do.

Proverbs 14:12
There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

Proverbs 4:23
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Our hearts can be so easily swayed by our emotions, so how do we guard our heart?
How can we protect our heart and how can we be sure to react in a way that is appropriate and pleasing in God’s sight?

Proverbs 23:26
Give me your heart, my son, And let your eyes delight in my ways.

When  I think of the frustration that comes along with being wronged in this way, when I hear the words “I’m Done”, “No more chances”. My mind jumps to The voice of The Lord!
My children cry out in their convenience, they call on me when they are in need and as soon as I Work in their favor, I hear silence. They use me, they take me for granted, I AM unappreciated! I Give and I Give!

Can you hear him saying that? We have to acknowledge that this is true. How many times did we deserve to hear I AM Done? No More Chances and Yet He Loves.

We can be Grateful that He is Never Done! He is Faithful he is Grace Filled, He is supernaturally Patient and slow to anger.
How Great is His Love?
How Beautiful are His Ways?
Let us learn from The example that he sets.
If God responded the way we do, then we would all be in big trouble.
It’s hard to be the person being taken for granted but know this, what you do for others, is never unseen or unappreciated by Him. Whatever we do in this world we do as if we are doing it for Him. In that, there is no offense.

Now scripture does address taking advantage of a brother or sister. It also says that God will deal with that person.

1 Thessalonians 4:6
and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantages of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before.

Remember we are to seek the kingdom first. Does this mean we lay down and allow for people to mistreat us? Well, Galatians 6 says, that if a brother is caught in sin, then you who are spiritual should restore him gently.
Be open and honest, express your concerns to this person, but do it with love. From then on, it is between them and God. Remember that He is your defender, use this experience to practice your servanthood. Allow for this occasion to bring out your best, instead of your worst.

Galatians 6:8
For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Pray and ask The Lord for His eyes on this situation, ask him to fill you with his gentleness, His compassion and His Love.

Give to others what you receive from God!

Galatians 6:9
Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
Matthew 5:41-48
41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Prayer
Lord I am giving you my heart, teach me your glorious ways! When I am in the position of being wronged, help me to lean not on my own understanding. Help me to turn to you for guidance, calm my heart and allow for this to be an opportunity to Glorify you!
In JESUS Name I Pray, Amen