Two weeks ago, I preached on Joshua 22. The 2½ tribes of Israel on the East side of the Jordan had built an altar near the Jordan river. Fearing that they had turned away from God, all of the Western tribes took up arms and went to confront them.

This may seem like a rather dramatic (over)reaction. But it shows how concerned they were for holiness among the people of God. They kept each other accountable and were willing to deal with sin by confronting people directly.

If you want to find out what happened next, you'll have to go and read the passage. But the reason I mention this is because yesterday I had to put my money where my mouth is. I had on good authority that one of my girls was indulging in sinful behaviour. I dreaded having to say something, but after preaching on this passage, I knew couldn't ignore it. I fretted over it for the next few days and couldn't think of a 'good' way to do it except to 'go to war' - i.e. speak to her directly and say it like it is.

So that's what I did yesterday before church started. I expected it to go badly - she might palm it off, or get angry, or side step the issue, or...

She denied it.

What should I do? I had no first hand knowledge to confront her with. I could ask my source to come with me, but that would back her into a corner with no way out...and that could get messy. Was there another way?

I couldn't think of a solution, but God had one planned already. After church she came and spoke to me. She admitted that there was a problem in the past but in recent months have tried to deal with it. She still struggles with temptation and asked for my prayer and support.

Later that night, she also sent me a email revealing some slightly deeper issues. I was pleasantly surprised by this and grateful that she was willing to talk about it. It would be great if there was a female leader who could follow her up, but for now I will have to do.

Give thanks that she has been willing to open up and talk about some of the issues. Pray for me that I will have wisdom to know how to help her in this time and that the Holy Spirit will bring transformation in her life. Pray also that God will teach me to be more courageous when I have to have difficult conversations in the future.