People Problems

Do not gloat when your enemy falls;when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice,or the LORD will see and disapproveand turn his wrath away from him.Do not fret because of evil menor be envious of the wicked,for the evil man has no future hope,and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.

Proverbs 24:17-20 (NIV)

This world is full of people who do evil things. Sometimes we feel threatened. Sometimes we are jealous when they win and get away scot-free. It’s natural to be glad when they suffer for a change, but God wants us to live on a higher plane.

Joseph is a remarkable example of how to walk through unfair, cruel circumstances with honor and trust in the Lord and with integrity. His brothers ganged up on him, stripped him of his treasured coat, threw him in a pit, and then sold him as a slave. His hardship lasted thirteen long years. But then famine came. And he became a person who could call the shots—whether they starved to death or lived. One of the most beautiful moments in all of the Bible is when his brothers realized he could take revenge. Instead, he comforted them and said, “Don’t be afraid. . . . Although you meant this for evil, God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:19-20, paraphrased).

So, ladies, do you have a situation where someone is unfair, harsh, or cruel to you? Bitterness, fear, or envy is not the answer. That keeps you under their thumb. Be aware. God has not forgotten. What goes around, truly does come around.

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

Difficult people come in all shapes and sizes. Toddlers throw tantrums, teens vent, bosses blame, sisters criticize. Difficult people test both our patience and our faith. As you read the encouragement found in James 1:2-4, may you discover fresh strength and motivation to endure with confidence. “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

One Year Bible Reading

Jeremiah 1:1–2:30; Philippians 4:1-23; Psalm 75:1-10; Proverbs 24:17-20