Daily Power #178

If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. (1 Peter 4:16)

I remember when someone wrote a pretty negative article about our church and me. Within minutes the hateful comments started rolling in. Even though I pray for thick skin and a soft heart, it seemed my skin was way too thin and my heart was nowhere near soft toward these hateful people.

By God’s grace, I had a flight to another city later in the day. Once our flight took off, I didn’t have access to what people were saying. (Remember when planes didn’t have Wi-Fi?) We climbed higher and higher into the air, and as I ascended toward the heavens, everyone and everything on earth looked so much smaller.

For some reason, I felt closer to God above the clouds, and the problems on earth seemed small and distant. That’s when it dawned on me. If I’m earthly minded and self-centered, I will always feel the sting of critical people. But if I’m close to God and my life is his, then by faith, I can rise like an ascending plane above the smaller-minded critics.

If you are facing criticism (or when you do), turn to God. Expect criticism. Endure it. And by his power, embrace it. Do not be shocked when persecution comes. And take it even another step. Embrace it. Rejoice that in some small ways you suffer with and for the one who suffered for you.

Power Lift

Jesus, help me to follow your example and to expect criticism, knowing that others often won’t understand when I live for you.