Seventeen years ago, I after completing high school, I finally
received my college degree. It was
difficult juggling marriage, a high school son and a junior high son, attending
ALL their ballgames and helping with homework, plus encouraging my husband who
was in his doctorate studies, and managing all the housework and my
homework. In addition, I had to drive an
hour and a half each way to attend class.
This meant leaving home early in the morning and not arriving home until
7-8 p.m. It was exhausting. Many days when I arrived for class, my mood
and attitude was often less than Christian. Let’s just say I LIVED on Peanut M
& M’s to calm my nerves.
The workshops I took required freelance writing assignments. These assignments were then presented before
my peers and the professor for review.
For the most part, my assignments received rave reviews. However, one
professor spewed venomous criticism. Because
I stood up for my Christian valves and would not write vulgar material, she
regarded my work as trash. Her words
were very hurtful and damaging. Finally,
in a private meeting with her where she once again was rude and snide, I had
had enough. Quite frankly, I threw my
pen down on her desk and stated my beliefs and opinions of her narrow mindedness
then I left her office. No, it was not
the best way to handle the professor. I realize
now years later that she was a hurting person who need me to reflect Christ
regardless of how I was treated.
Ladies, I am sure that within your churches you have faced
critics who are poised to destroy you.
You take and take but eventually their words break you. Recently, a person in our church sent out
several letters to various members. The
letter was poorly written and raged against the church staff. This person did not want salvation preached,
did not believe in evangelism, and hated all the music in our services. They wanted everything their way no matter
the cost. Funny, this person was not
brave enough to sign the tirade, but the members and church staff who received
it knew exactly who it was.
Sadly, this individual is known in our church as a
troublemaker. They have been asked to
leave at least four other churches in our area because of their destructive
nature. For now, our church staff has
decided to ignore the comments and keep following God’s leadership for the
church. The members of the church who
received the letter have spoken out in support of the church staff to other
members.
Although I do not go out of way to reach out to this
individual, I have prayed for their heart to be convicted. I have asked the Lord to help them realize
the damage they are doing to the His Kingdom.
This person’s rage is not really directed at the staff but at God and
they will one day answer for their actions.
Girlfriends, as long as we are in ministry there will be
critics. Take a moment today to read
Nehemiah 6:1-9. It is about the opposition
Nehemiah faced in rebuilding the wall. Despite
of the opposition’s attack and lies, Nehemiah kept at his God given purpose and
asked the Lord to “strengthen his hands.”
May God strengthen our ministries to face whatever Satan
decides to throw our way.
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