Sometimes, people can be unkind and can even be mean. Things can be said about us that are hurtful, tactless, or even cruel. Sometimes, the actions taken against us can also be vindictive, hostile, or evil, and without goodness, kindness or love. This can often hurt us, tear us down, or be directed to us in such a way that can cause us to lose heart, become discouraged or weary in our souls. As we make every effort to live for Christ, and to display His character and His love for all people, it can seem that these battles have a power to become overwhelming. And it can be particularly painful when the hurt comes from someone close to us, or someone we love. But that’s when we turn to God’s Word and His answers for help.
When we stop to look at the Scriptures, we see that we are not the only ones who have been mistreated, or who have suffered persecution (Acts 8:1; Matthew 5:10-11; 2 Timothy 3:12). When we look at the example of Jesus, we realize that He also suffered for our sake. Hebrews 12:3 says, “For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls,” (NKJV). When we consider the example that has been set by Christ himself, our situations don’t look as bleak, pointless or hopeless.
The next verse tells us that we haven’t had it as bad as Christ did. Hebrews 12:4 says, “You have not yet resisted to bloodshed striving against sin,” (NKJV). Furthermore, it goes on to say that “whom the Lord loves, He chastens,” (v. 6). And in verse 11, of the same chapter, it says, “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it,” (NKJV). Our training in endurance will result in good fruit.
Could it be that the LORD uses these circumstances for the good of ourselves as well as others? I would say so. And those experiences shape us, and do a great deal to strengthen us, and increase our faith and endurance, so that we are able to mature in Christ, become who He intends for us to become, and accomplish His good purposes. And what we must realize is that it is not only for our good that the Lord is concerned with, but all those who are around us and who will benefit from what He is doing in our lives.
Think of all that was depicted in the Biblical narrative of Joseph, and all that he went through with such hostility against himself, from the hatred and envy of his bothers who sold him into slavery, to the false accusations from Potiphar and his wife; and how through his patient endurance, and reliance on the presence of God who was with him, not only He, his entire family, but entire nations were saved (read: Genesis chapters 37-50). This historical account will certainly strengthen your faith and your resolve.
What seems to be most interesting is the state of our mindset during these difficult things. We actually can find not only the Lord’s peace but His joy as well. James 1:2-4 says, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trails, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing,” (NKJV). There is a certain overflowing of God’s joy when we are in God’s presence (Psalm 16:11). And no matter where you are or what you’re going through, God’s presence can be with you and make it possible for you to overflow with streams of joy and living water. John 7:38 says, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water,” (NKVJ). This river that comes from God, is not stagnant, but vibrant with everything we need for life.
We can allow the Lord to indwell our being with the presence and power of the precious Holy Spirit. We can be strong because of His power. We can remember what the Word says: “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might,” (Ephesians 6:10-12 (KJV). He is mighty. He is strong. He is great, and worthy to be praised, (Psalm 145:3). He is our God, and we are His people (Psalm 100). He gives us His strength and power just as He did with David when he fought Goliath, (read: 1 Samuel 17). It seemed like the odds were insurmountable, but God gave a victory, and the people rejoiced, and they gave God the glory!
Who He is, is greater that what you are facing! What is flowing out of you is greater that what is coming against you! “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world,” (1 John 4:4, KJV). There is no reason to fear that we are weaker than the hostility that is coming against us. We are stronger indeed! And our confidence is in the One who has all authority, (Matthew 28:18); and who has the power both to save and to destroy (James 4:12). He is the Almighty One, (Revelation 1:8), therefore we can have courage, and we can fight the good fight, (1 Timothy 6:12), and we can endure and overcome. 1 Corinthians 15:7, says: “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ,” (NIV). We give praise to God that in Christ, He gives us the victory!
When we consider the good work that the adversity, hostility, persecution, suffering and trials are doing in our lives, to make us more like Christ, and to allow us to experience the peaceable fruits of righteousness, we are delighted that we are counted worthy (Acts 5:41), that we can be partakers of not only the suffering that He endured, (1 Peter 4:13), but also of His glories to be revealed in His kingdom, which is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). This is how we can count it all joy!
Furthermore, we should not allow these hostile situations to surprise us, or come as a shock to us, we should understand that the difficulties are to be expected. The scripture is clear on that matter. 1 Peter 4:12 says, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you,” (ESV). Then it says in the next verse, “But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed, (1 Peter 4:13, ESV). Therefore, we should recognize a trial when it comes, much like we would if a storm, tornado or hurricane was coming, and understand what the origin, nature and purpose of the trial is, and be prepared and equipped for it, in Christ Jesus.
So, if you’re facing hostility today, don’t be discouraged. Remember what Jesus went through for you, and know that everything you may go through, is working to make your faith perfect and complete, and lacking nothing! Equip yourself with great endurance for the journey by the presence and power of the Almighty God, and rejoice in His matchless goodness and His glory! Be encouraged today and don’t lose courage in your soul! Courage is needed to endure and to overcome!
When we have overcome we will receive our just reward. Revelation 21:4 says “He who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be by son,” (NKJV). When we know and understand that our God has an inheritance for us as His children, we understand His purposes better. Revelation 12:11 says, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death, (KJV). When Christ is all in all, and above all, we understand both our purposes and our role in His kingdom.
Many verses declare the majesty of God. Exodus 15:18 “The LORD will reign forever and ever!” Daniel 4:3 says, “How great are His signs And how mighty are His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom And His dominion is from generation to generation.” Psalm 145:13 says, “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.” Revelation 11:15 says, “Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.” 1 Timothy 6:15b-16 (ESV) says, “he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, (v.16), who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.” Be blessed today and keep the faith! We love you!
