“I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds, says the Lord, because they called you an outcast” (Jer. 30:17 NKJ).
There are definite compensations for patiently suffering resentment, rejection, and ridicule for the sake of the Gospel and of Jesus Christ (Matt. 5:11).
In my life, the miraculous power and mighty presence of the Lord were the most conspicuous when I stood alone in the midst of persecution because of my Christian belief, lifestyle, and witness.
In one place I worked, I found myself facing a constant barrage of hostile, cutting words from antagonistic associates who seemed to take delight in trying to discredit all Christians and Christianity in general.
Since it was obvious that I was a believer, these people made the most of every opportunity to “put me down.” They did everything in their power to make it appear that I was physically weak, intellectually inferior, mentally deficient, emotionally unstable, and socially unacceptable.
As painful as their constant harassment was, it did have one positive result. In the midst of it, I became aware that the Lord was doing a beautiful work of grace inside of me.
I realized that I was being sustained inwardly by a divine power whose holy presence more than made up for what I was suffering outwardly (1 John 4:4).
No one enjoys being an outcast. But it is encouraging to remember that our patient endurance of shabby treatment on the Lord’s behalf kindles a positive response from Him on our behalf that causes many good things to come our way!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers