The accusation stung. I had witnessed the incident and knew what had happened. Someone else had seen a portion of what had transpired, too. But the person’s account was different and not even close to the truth. It’s tough being unjustly accused.
Unjust accusations are common. Moses endured his fair share. The Israelites had barely started on their journey out of Egypt, when the accusations began to fly. Pharaoh and his army were pursuing them, and they were afraid. “And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? Wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness,” (Exodus 14:11-12; KJV).
Wow! Moses was being obedient to God, but the people were turning on him. Ouch! This cycle was repeated over and over, as the Israelites journeyed to the Promised Land. No doubt Moses experienced anger and heartache as a result of the people’s accusations. Yet he was able to take comfort in his relationship with God. And perhaps it was because of the difficulties, that Moses earnestly sought the Lord. The Lord loved His servant Moses, “And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend,” (Exodus 33:11a).
Although false accusations aren’t pleasant, I can allow them to serve a purpose. They can drive me to the ‘God of all comfort,’ (2 Corinthians 1:3). The One who promises to be near me, “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit,” (Psalm 34:18). And I can also identify with others who have experienced something similar. My trials often become opportunities for me to share my Savior, “Who (God) comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God,” (2 Corinthians 1:4; italics mine).
Life isn’t always fair. And when I’m faced with difficulties, I have a choice to make. Let circumstances make me bitter, or turn to the Lord and allow Him to use those circumstances to make me better.
What do you do when you’re unjustly accused? Will you allow the Lord to use the situation to draw you near to Him and to help others?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You that You are the God of all comfort. You know that I hurt when I’m unjustly accused. Help me to see difficult circumstances as opportunities to draw near to You and share Your goodness with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
You have no idea how badly I needed to hear this this morning--but God did. I was just reading Isaiah 26:3, seeking His perfect peace...asking for a reminder that He's working in our situation. He used your words. Thanks Maria for listening closely to God's voice and obediently sharing what He lays on your heart--you never know who it may touch with His peace.
ReplyDeleteI read Psalm 35, ask God to show me the lesson that i need to learn and squeeze every ounce of faith in God out of me!!
ReplyDeleteThe sting from someone's unjust accusation doesn't last long if I bury myself in Truth.
ReplyDeleteSusan - Thanks for stopping by! It's always amazing to see how the Lord works! Glad this post could be a comfort to you - wonderful that you are experiencing His peace in the midst of your trial! God bless you, my friend! Hugs! :)
ReplyDeleteKC - Thanks for sharing how you deal with accusation. Love the fact that you turn to the Word of God instead of trying to defend yourself! So often it's hard for me to see that God is trying to teach me a lesson! Appreciate you, girl!! Hugs and blessings to you this week!
ReplyDeleteLoved your comment about our trials becoming opportunities to share Christ! And I also loved your reminder of how our trials help us comfort others. Remembering both of those truths, hopefully, will help me stand strong and faithful during my next trial.
ReplyDeleteI remember one time when someone really hurtfully and wrongfully accused me in my face. I was standing there and suddenly peace came over me and I thought... wow, this is how Jesus must have felt.. and he didn't say a word.
ReplyDeleteGood post Maria, thanks.
What do I do? I freak out and then over explain myself over and over until I'm sure the other person doesn't even care anymore!
ReplyDeleteBut really, the times when I've been unjustly accused, I found that there really wasn't anywhere to go, and no one who understood better than God. I have to remind myself that he is the one in charge of my reputation and His, so I should mend where I must mend, speak truth, and let God take care of the rest. (easier said than done, some days, but that's the goal anyway.)
Thanks for the post:)