Unjustly Accused

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.

What Are You Wearing?

The card came in the mail. It announced the big clearance I’d been waiting for. The end of the season sale at the Talbot’s Outlet meant they were slashing prices by as much as 75%. I glanced at my calendar, determined to work this into my schedule. I love shopping for clothes! And who doesn’t enjoy having new outfits to choose from?!

Back at home, I grimaced as I hung up my purchases. I didn’t really NEED these new clothes – in fact, my closet was already packed with things I rarely wear. The sad reality is that I probably only wear a small fraction of the clothes I already own. I tend to gravitate toward the things that are comfortable. The things I know that go well together. You too?

Sometimes I find myself doing the same thing spiritually. I get stuck in a groove, content with my ‘comfortable’ routine. Forgetting that spiritual growth takes concentrated effort, I turn away from challenges that would require a step of faith, and settle for walking the same old path I can see. God’s Word reminds me, “But without faith it is impossible to please him…” (Hebrews 11:6a; KJV).

He desires a vibrant relationship with me. His plan for me is clearly outlined, “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection , and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death,” (Philippians 3:10). I can sign up for the first part of that verse without reservation. Knowing Christ and the power of his resurrection sounds exciting. But the second part is a bit more difficult. In fact, suffering and denying myself doesn’t sound like fun at all. Trials require faith in my Heavenly Father. Trials help me realize my need for Him. Trials allow me to grow beyond my comfort zone. No doubt about it, trials are difficult. But they’re the prescription for growth.

Time for a spiritual wardrobe change! My clothes for His. My will, doubts, and hesitations, for His truth, righteousness, gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:14-17). My clothes encourage me to sit on the sidelines, avoiding participation. His armor reminds me I’m in a battle and my participation is necessary. Every piece of armor is necessary for me to be successful against my enemy, the devil. And His wardrobe fits me perfectly and is always in style!

Today, I know what I’ll choose to wear. What about you?

Do you have difficulty walking by faith? Do potential trials cause you to stay in your comfort zone? What will you do today to trade your ‘wardrobe’ for His?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me and showering me with Your grace and mercy. Thank You for reminding me that faith pleases You! Help me to be willing to leave my comfort zone, put on Your armor, and join the battle. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Trials Have Purpose

The land lay before them. The promised land. After years spent in the wilderness, their dream was about to come true. I can imagine the Israelites counting down the days until the spies would return with news about the land that would become their territory.

The day finally arrived. Everyone assembled to hear the report. Children jostled about, in an attempt to see what the twelve men had brought back from Canaan. A hush fell over the crowd. Mouths gaped open in amazement. Before them hung the largest cluster of grapes they had ever seen! So large, that the grapes required two men to carry them on a large pole (Numbers 13:23). An abundance of pomegranates and figs lay before them - fruit from the land the Lord intended for them to inherit. What a promising future lay ahead!

The spies spoke of the land they had explored over the past forty days, "...We came unto the land whither thou sentest, us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it," (Numbers 13:27; KJV). The land sounded too good to be true. But as the report continued, the tone changed from positive to negative. "Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there," (Numbers 13:28).

By the end of the report, only two of the twelve spies maintained a positive outlook on taking over the promised land. Joshua and Caleb. These two had faith that the Lord, who had brought the children of Israel this far, could also deliver the promised land to them, despite the obstacles.

The crowd chose the majority opinion. They refused to exercise faith in the God who had delivered them from their oppressors in Egypt, provided food and water for them in the wilderness, and been their constant guide from the beginning of their journey. Instead, they chose to believe the situation was hopeless and began making plans to elect a captain to lead them back to Egypt.

Imagine journeying to the border of the promised land, only to stop trusting the One who had brought you every step of the way. Inconceivable, right? Yet, if I'm honest, I have to admit that I've done the very same thing.

When I'm faced with a trial in my life, I have the opportunity to trust God to walk me through the difficulties. But instead, I grow fearful, and choose to believe that God doesn't have my best interests at heart. I begin thinking about how good things have been. And question God as to why this trial had to come my way. I lose sight of my great God and begin having a pity party in honor of myself.

The words of the book of James point me back to the truth, "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing," (James 1:2-4). Although I can't say that trials are pleasant, each and every one is allowed in my life to draw me closer to my Heavenly Father. It's up to me to allow each trial to become a blessing as I'm conformed to the image of Christ!

How do you face trials? Is your faith growing with each difficulty that comes your way?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the trials You allow in my life. Help me choose to believe that Your plan for me is good, and to act in faith when difficulties tempt me to doubt. Help me to be conformed to the image of Your Son. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Bloom Where You're Planted

Difficulties and disappointments happen. Life can be downright hard. From the time I entered fourth grade, I knew my Dad struggled with health issues. Due to a genetic predisposition for disease and some unhealthy choices, it was only a matter of time before his health began to decline. He had a triple bypass that year, and was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis a few years later. I can only imagine the pain he experienced on a daily basis.

My Dad's suffering played a big role in my career choice. I wanted to help prevent illness. My focus was corporate wellness: emphasizing everything from smoke cessation to weight management. Setting up exercise programs and motivating clients to stick with their regimen became my passion.

As I look back, I can see how God used a difficult situation to inspire positive growth. The same is true today. Each disappointment carries with it the opportunity to create something beautiful. My challenge is to trust the Lord when each trial comes, allowing Him to make the proverbial lemonade from the lemons.

Step back in time with me some twenty-five hundred years or so. Our city of Jerusalem has been ransacked and we've been taken captive by the Babylonians. We're now living among a strange people many miles from home.

Can you imagine it? It's so easy to let your mind drift back to all the comforts of your hometown. The friendly neighbors you had. The bakery you owned and operated in the heart of the city. The temple where you worshipped the Lord. But everything is different today. Your eyes fill with tears as you long for the way things used to be...

Then you receive the letter. A letter from none other than the prophet Jeremiah, inspired by the very God of heaven. His words cause an initial sting, but you know they contain the truth:

"Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon; Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished. And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace," (Jeremiah 29:4-7; KJV).

Wow! So this captivity is all a part of God's plan. Our poor choices brought His judgment, but even in this place, He desires to bless us, if we just obey Him. Basically, He wants us to move on with life. Bloom where we're planted. Even pray for our captors. Radical commands! His purpose for us is clear, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end," (Jeremiah 29:11).

Fast forward to today. All of us experience difficulties - probably not as drastic as those faced by the children of Israel! What will you choose to do with your trials? Allow them to destroy you? Or trust God through the situation and allow Him to create something beautiful? The choice is yours!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are so good to me. Help me to focus on Your purpose for each trial in my life. I need Your strength to choose to continue living life when things become difficult. Thank You for the truth of Your Word. Use every trial in my life to create something beautiful that points to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.