Have you ever been falsely accused?
I have. Oh sure, there have been moments when my accusers had plenty of valid ammunition, but there have also been a few in which I was innocent … situations in which wrong assumptions were made and people voiced their unpleasant opinion about me or my family. False accusations leave me feeling defenseless and alone.
You’ve been there, haven’t you? A so-called friend betrays you. A co-worker takes advantage of you. Someone chooses to believe the worst rather than the best about you. Or, you take a stand or make a decision that results in some fall-out … fall-out that leaves you fighting the good fight alone. Life in ministry leadership sometimes requires us to make difficult decisions that cost us.
Well, take heart, my friends. As a child of God … because you follow Him and His ways … you are not alone. You are not defenseless. Check out what Jeremiah had to say about a struggle he faced. Everyone in his life had turned their backs on him, and he was hurting. But, this was his attitude:
“But the Lord stands beside me like a great warrior. Before him my persecutors will stumble. They cannot defeat me. They will fail and be thoroughly humiliated. Their dishonor will never be forgotten.” Jeremiah 20:11 NLT
When I read these words this morning, I remembered specific moments in my life when God was my Great Warrior. Times when, though my spirit sagged, my feet marched forward. His strength – not mine – propelled me on. Times when, though my world seemed to crumble, He held the pieces together. My Heavenly Father loves me and seeks to guard my soul.
He loves you, too.
Maybe today you need a mighty warrior to defend you. Maybe you need the only One who can restore, renew, and revitalize your world … your marriage … your family … your friendship … your reputation … your ministry … your future. If so, turn to God. Stop trying to fight your battle alone. Allow Him to guide your steps.
He stands beside you like a great warrior, friends. You are not alone.
Published October 3, 2014
