Afflicted For His Glory

Do not let my deceitful enemies rejoice over me; do not let those who hate me without cause look at me maliciously. For they do not speak in friendly ways, but contrive deceitful schemes against those who live peacefully in the land. - Psalm 35:19-20

Even though we may follow Jesus, this does not mean we're always right.

Yeah, it surprises me sometimes, too! For example, passion for the mission of reaching the lost can occasionally blind us to the physical needs of others. At other times, we may act out of self-preservation and shrink back from personal responsibility. These may be reasons for bad behavior, but they cannot stand as excuses. If we want to be more like Christ, then we must be willing to acknowledge our failings and seek change.

On the other hand, there are times when we may act righteously and responsibly with a firm stance in God's truth, but be unjustly attacked by others. When this happens, we may desire vindication and even retribution, but such treatment (if we will only allow it) often grows the life of Christ in us through suffering. While unjust accusation often hurts, it can also refine and result in greater glory for God.

Affliction shows the power of Christ's blood, when it gives peace in an hour of trouble, when it can make happy in sickness, poverty, persecution and death. Do not be surprised if you suffer, but glorify God. - Robert Murray McCheyne