Recently, a good friend of mine was the target of hostile left wing media. What they did was disgraceful, unfounded, completely devoid of facts and deliberately misrepresentative. What the bible calls “bearing false witness”. They knew it. My friend knew it. I knew it. But it was out in the mainstream. I had the chance to see up close, the hand of the wicked at work.
He was brokenhearted at the time.
Understandably. Here is where he found strength. I asked him if he felt he was reviled and persecuted, and if they were speaking all kinds of evil against him falsely because of his blatantly Christian stand and calling in life. (Matthew 5:11)
We all knew the answer. At which point, I reminded him of the good news contained in the next verse where it says “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you”.
He was considering a variety of responses to vindicate himself, but in the end settled on the response Jesus recommended to “rejoice and be exceedingly glad”, for great was his reward in heaven. Now admittedly, he wasn’t thrilled about waiting till he got to Heaven to experience reward, but he took some comfort in that promise.
I told him that the reward was transferred into his heavenly account the minute Matthew 5:10 was accomplished (the evil speaking against him). All that was left was for him to rejoice and be exceedingly glad, in order for him to access that transfer in the here and now.
He chose to enter into Thanksgiving and joyfulness in the midst of his sadness.
That changed his focus from him to the Lord. That allowed him to receive inspiration from the Lord he had previously missed. That led to a simple idea which would now turn that potentially “business ending” media piece into, what he and his wife now believe to be the best opportunity to come their way – ever!
All because he was able to let go of the hurt and embrace joy. That cleared up his spiritual sinuses so to speak and he was able to hear clearly from the Lord. That which he heard, he is acting upon and he expects it to be a huge blessing.
My point in all this, is that we all have bad things happen that are unfair at times. Our response is to rejoice and be exceedingly joyful, because great is our reward in heaven! Then, when you have entered into joyfulness, you are much better able to see and to hear what the Lord would show you, that you may access the reward that has been moved into your account.
Selah.
Until next time, Be fruitful and Multiply!
I LOVE this! The power of the word in action in real life. And Michael, you are absolutely genius at finding the perfect pictures to go with your teaching. THIS one is the BEST!! : )
Thank you my Judy Ann. You were there an saw the power of God’s Word in action, not to mention the Word that God gave you for him as well! Awesome!
The picture says it all…Thanks
I love this illustration of God’s Word being put into practice. It will be so exciting to see how the Lord opens the windows of heaven in the days to come for your friend. You will have to keep us updated! Thank you for sharing.
My husband and I had to throw up our hands in praise to Father God for this NEEDED reminder. We are in the thick of sadness and weariness due to persecution and false witness against us. It is completely unfounded except for the reason God told us last night. “Hell has set itself against you for the calling on your life. Keep your eyes on me. Ignore them” HALLELUJAH. Michael you have been speaking into my life for over 20 years ever since I met you in Charlotte, NC at a business conference. I praise our Lord for how He uses and speaks through you. I always leave your website, webinars, interviews, books and emails SO encouraged. I thank Him for you and your wife!! This post made a WORLD of difference for my husband. Thank you Jesus!!