October 14.
Count On Criticism

Matthew 5:11

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Many people get in the race and get out because they are shocked when they run into opposition on the Christian battlefield. Have you ever heard anybody say “I’m quitting because people don’t like me? I’m giving up because somebody lied on me; I’m throwing in the towel because they are talking about me.” That’s the same as a football player going to the field to play and quits the game because he was tackled. If you’re going to get on the battlefield or on the ball diamond, expect to be tackled. If you’re going to get in this Christian journey expect to be criticized. You are in good company; these things will happen to you.

You’re also going to spend some time suffering. Some suffering we bring on ourselves; some God brings upon us, and Satan causes the rest. When you come to Christ, it’s because you left somebody – Satan himself. And the devil doesn’t like you leaving him; so whatever he can do to hinder your progress, he’s going to do it. Never expect Satan to applaud and congratulate you because you’re coming to the Lord. You notice how he is often busier on Sunday than any other time because he’s trying to keep you from coming to the worship celebration. He will create any problem he can to disturb or depress you.

The Lord says, “You don’t need to worry about being picked on because you must bear in mind that whenever they challenge you, I will get them.” The fire burned the same folk that put Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace. The same lions ate the folk that put Daniel in the lion’s den. Old folks had a way of saying, be careful how you dig ditches because the one you dig for me just might be for you. God has a way of allowing things to come back around. God will never leave you alone.