Dream With GOD

40-Day Devotional

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Day 14 – Overcoming Hurt & Offense

God often uses the worst that men can say about us to shape our character, strengthen us, and make us like Him. An incident in the Old Testament illustrates the reality of this truth: The story of Shimei, the mean-spirited little man who hurled rocks and insults at King David, as David fled from his son Absalom. (2 Samuel 16:5-14).

Criticism always seems to come when we need it least. The enemy loves to attack us when we are already down. Yet, the only way we can avoid reproach is to determine to be nothing, do nothing, and say nothing. Tiny souls can dodge through life: bigger souls are blocked on every side. As soon as men and women begin to enlarge themselves resistances are multiplied… To be significant is to be misunderstood. Hostility teaches us to pray…”

Psalms 109:4:

David wrote, “In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer.” Prayer became the essence of David’s life.

In (Matthew 18:7), Yeshua warned us that “offenses will come, but woe to those who become offended.” Walking in offense is often more harmful than the offense itself. In (John 16:33), Yeshua tells us that we can find comfort in Him admits life’s many troubles. Our hurts can become a powerful instrument to develop our character and our relationship with God. Pain moves us closer to God and makes us more susceptible to his shaping.

Charles Briggs wrote, “If your ambition is to avoid the troubles of life, the recipe is simple: shed your ambitions in every direction, cut the wings of every soaring purpose, and seek a little life with the fewest contacts and relations.’ Our critics often play a significant role in our walk with God – more than we realize.”

The great theologian, William Law wrote:

“Receive every inward and outward trouble, every disappointment, pain, and uneasiness with both hands as a true opportunity and blessed occasion for dying to self and entering into a fuller fellowship with our Saviors’ suffering.”

Acknowledge God In The Matter:

The first step in dealing with hurt, offense, insults, and criticism is acknowledging that God sits high and looks low…. David said of Shimei’s ruthless rock-throwing, “Let him alone…. For God sees and will have mercy on me…”

David clearly saw God’s sovereignty in the matter. David acknowledged the reproach and relied on God’s mercy to bring peace to the situation.

Do Not Be Quick to Defend Yourself:

Justin the Martyr, wrote, “Perhaps Jesus’ greatest miracle is that he did not retaliate.” When our Lord faced death, instead of bitter resentment against His adversaries Yeshua offered up his life to God. That was the secret of His composure and ours.

Augustine wrote, “Heal me of this lust of mine of always vindicating myself.”

Why do we care so much what others say about us? Is it because we place too much value on our own reputations, favor, and the appreciation of men? We have a terrible fear of being despised and rejected? Ahhh… But Yeshua was despised and rejected… a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief…. We will experience like manner of afflictions in this life. “

The Aftermath:

While David fled for his life from Absalom… and endured insults from his enemies…. He found peace and the inspiration to write (Psalms Chapter 3).

David gave Shimei and all his distractors to God…. zipped up his sleeping bag, fluffed up his pillow….rolled over….and went to sleep.

Scripture Meditation:

Psalms Chapter 3:

“O LORD, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!
Many are saying of me,
“God will not deliver him.

But you are a shield around me, O LORD;
you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.

To the LORD I cry aloud,
and he answers me from his holy hill.

I lie down and sleep . . . “

Assignment:

PRAY – During this 40-Day journey, let us pray that God would reveal, unfold, uncover, and recover the destiny, plans, blessings, and purpose that He has ordained for us. Let us pray for open doors of opportunity, divine alignment, and divine encounters. Let us pray that God will bring clarity and right alignment to us regarding His purpose in every area of our lives. As God’s plans for us unfold, let us pray for wisdom, discernment, direction, and strategies to implement His will. Let us continually pray in our prayer language and in our understanding.

JOURNAL – Let’s write in our prayer journals. Wait in the presence of the Lord. Hear what God is saying to you about His love, your value, and the way He sees you. We are training our ear to hear from God.

REPENT – Ask God to show you areas in your life where improvement is needed. Cast down mindsets, fears, and strongholds that hinder His progressive flow in your life. Ask God to remove those barriers that hinder love.

FOCUS – Let us enter an adventure of experiencing the love of God. Let every waking moment be full of the revelation of God’s love for us. Let’s allow God to fill those empty places in our lives with His extravagant love.

WORSHIP – Let us spend some time in worship and allow the presence of the Lord wash-off all condemnation.

FORGIVE – Offense and unforgiveness hinders us from walking in our purpose and living our best lives. Offense is a trap – don’t take the bate! Settle all offenses in the presence of the Lord – stay before God until peace comes!

LET IT GO – God’s grace gives us the ability to politely and respectfully distance ourselves from situations that will bring us more harm than good. If a situation doesn’t feel “right” you owe it to yourself to go on your merry way – with your peace intact. Protect your peace.

Worship Experience:

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If you have not repented of your sins and made Jesus your Lord and Savior, please do so NOW! If you do not have a personal love relationship with Jesus, please invite Jesus into your heart NOW! CLICK HERE!

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