1928) As I work toward being the person God intended me to be, I still find it hard when someone doesn’t like me or tries their best to close me out of the world around them, which is often connected to me.  

When this happens, my gut reaction is to try to appease the person. I hope to deaden the pain of someone else who is as disgruntled about me as I sometimes am. The feeling of panic and anxiety builds and if I can only make the situation better, all will be well, so I think. But Isaiah 49:4 whispers to me, and I need to stop and listen.  

The first part of the verse tells me that many times, my labor is in vain. I spend all the energy I have on things that are useless, such as trying to control someone else’s actions, which I cannot do. If I slow down enough to analyze these types of conflicts, I am reminded that seeking to have the approval of others is a poor use of time because the hard truth is, everyone has people who do not like them, God and Jesus included.  

A more productive action plan is found in the second part of this verse which tells me God has my back, sort-of-speak with what others say and do concerning me and I can trust him to carry out the justice needed in each situation.

God promises to deal with others and faith means I take him at his word.