This morning, I had an encounter with God as I was reading in Acts chapter 9. At first, the familiar story seemed dull. You know how it is when you’ve read or heard the same story over and over. But then, a new revelation merged from the content. It’s funny how old stories of the Bible become fresh and timely for the present, isn’t it?
When I got to verse 21, I started to see the word “rejection” in my minds-eye. Paul had just been transformed from Saul, who murders Believers” to Paul, the disciple of Christ. Because of his past reputation, many rejected Paul, the disciple. This was only the beginning of Paul’s trouble. Throughout his ministry, Paul experienced rejection, suffering and trials that seemed unfair.
Think about it. Here he was working for the Lord, and yet, he was shipwrecked and thrown into prison falsely accused more than once. Doesn’t that seem odd for a man called of God? Wasn’t God’s favor strong enough to protect him from such adversity?
I thought about my sickness this summer. Like Paul, I was shipwrecked unable to do life and ministry. I began to feel rejected by God. I wondered if I had lost His favor. It didn’t make sense. I was serving God—trying to do what’s right–ministering Jesus in any way I could. Then, without warning strong winds blew in. Clouds hung overhead and it began to storm. Before I knew it, I was shipwrecked.
You’ve been there, too.
Some of you have been rejected by family, friends, and co-workers. Others have been falsely accused or imprisoned by your finances or the consequences of someone else’s sin. It seems so unfair!!! You’ve tried to live right. You walk in obedience the best you can. You take God at His word and trust in His promises. Shouldn’t a faith like this call for smooth sailing instead of finding yourself shipwrecked?
And yet, Isaiah reminds us that God’s ways are not our ways. His thoughts and plans are higher than ours.
If we follow Paul’s journey, we find God working through the rejection, the trials, the prison time, and the shipwrecks. God used these hardships to position Paul on top. Not for fame but to increase the Kingdom of God. How else could Paul have witnessed to the Pharisees if he hadn’t been rejected and thrown in prison? How else could the people see God’s power at work in Paul than when he survived the storms—when the snake bite didn’t kill him—when the jail walls shook? Because of these things, people believed.
That can only mean one thing. God doesn’t waste our pain, rejection or our shipwrecks. He’s using them to bring about His plan—to put you at the top so that others can see God’s transforming power.
That being said, I believe our challenge is this—to rise from the wreckage so that our lives will give testimony that draws others to the Master. I choose to rise.
Carol Davis says
As they say in my neck of the woods, "That dog will hunt!!!" Great insight, Micca! Thanks… Rising with you!
Jill says
Micca, Great words. The concept of God not wasting our pain has been on my heart as well. This morning we were reading in Luke 22 (a familiar story as well), but the words hit as I had read the same ones a year ago. My notes in the margin spoke about my desire to have God remove the cup of suffering from me as well. That didn't happen and we went on to experience a miscarriage, but yet He's been faithful and strengthened me to rise as well. His ways truly are not the same as ours, but yet He always has a purpose – rather than questioning, worrying or doubting we need to trust.
Thank you for your encouraging word on the blog and your email following up She Speaks.
Blessings,
Jill
sagreen125 says
That is what has happened to me the past 6 months. I just try to stay focus on the Lord and seek him. And listen to him speak. Thank God, it seems He has been the only one there for me. Don't see what God is doing, but just trying to trust him inspite of the pain and rejection. And to do what the Lord ask, even though it is hard somedays
B His Girl says
Wonderful insights Micca. God can do wonders with our wreckage if we keep our focus on Him. B
Wendy Blight says
Micca,
How I needed the wisdom you shared with us today as we may be heading toward surgery for Lauren's back. I have prayed so hard and so long for healing, and God has chosen not to answer the way I have specifically asked…rather He seems to be directing us toward surgery. The very surgery I have SO prayed to avoid.
As I seek to understand His ways, your post today has been such a blessing to me. Thanks, friend!!
Praying for you!!
me
sweettea says
I have found that those closest to the LORD oftentimes have the most suffering – I think of Paul, of David, of Moses, of Hannah, of Richard Wurmbrandt, of missionaries I've read about, of friend's I've known, of JESUS…I've also learned not to take my circumstances to be a sign of GOD's favor or not. It's hard not to do that, especially when they're really painful, but I know it to be true. GOD will use the circumstances of a fallen world to draw us to HIM, to make us more like HIM, but they do not determine whether HE loves us or not. PTL!
sweettea says
I forgot to add that the LORD will also use our circumstances to slow us down so that we will stop doing for the LORD and BE with HIM. I know I am guilty of this. Busyness should not be my god (what I pour my heart, devotion and energy into) but being WITH HIM should. 🙂
sweettea says
I forgot to add that the LORD will also use our circumstances to slow us down so that we will stop doing for the LORD and BE with HIM. I know I am guilty of this. Busyness should not be my god (what I pour my heart, devotion and energy into) but being WITH HIM should. 🙂