We Understand

We Understand

We understand. We understand how it feels to be run over, thrown under the bus, second-guessed, have rumors and untruths spread about you, stabbed in the back, to have every word you speak picked apart, sliced, and parsed. We understand what it is like to live under the microscope, to be misunderstood, misinterpreted, and misrepresented. We understand how our efforts to do good can backfire. We understand what it feels like to serve a family for years and then they desert ship over a matter not involving you and as they leave they forget your ministry to them. We understand what it is like to have to be careful about confessing the sins that if another member confessed the same thing people would rally to them, but you are pretty certain if you did, you’d be fired. We understand how your ministry to-do list is never empty. We understand relentlessly being chased by Sundays.

But more than that the Lord understands, hears your cries, and is for you as you strive to serve Him well.

Yes, we’ve been there. Here is a suggestion that has worked for me in times like these. I think of Paul and his writing of the Book of Joy written from a prison without any ADA requirements or the UN guidelines of humane treatment of prisoners. And here is why Paul could be joyful amidst all the junk: “everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8 NLT). He remembered Christ IN the circumstances and he rejoiced. Or James admonition: “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12). And Peter in his best preacher voice might shout: “…get over this victim mentality when suffering comes to you unjustly, YOU GET TO BE LIKE JESUS!” 1 Peter 2.