“If you are battling the injustice of unwarranted criticism, I know you must be weary. I also know it’s not fair. But when the time is right, the Lord will step in and take charge.”- Charles Swindoll
“So David and his men continued down the road, and Shimei kept pace with them on a nearby hillside, cursing and throwing stones and dirt at David. The king and all who were with him grew weary along the way, so they rested when they reached the Jordan River.”- 2 Kings 16:13-14 (NLT)
As Charles Swindoll continues Chapter 5 of What If . . . God Has Other Plans?, he pauses to highlight four principles from David’s response to Shimei:
- David silenced and restrained any kind of violent retaliation. Vengeance belongs to the Lord. As believers, it’s not our place to take revenge against our enemies. The Lord works that out at His time, on His terms, and in His way.
- David reminded his well-intentioned but rash companion (Abishai) that God is sovereign. Not almost sovereign –totally sovereign! Above all, God reigns over even the most unspeakable injustices.
- David chose not to defend himself against the hateful attacks. As a skilled warrior, David could have taken swift and severe action. Instead, he chose the high road.
- David left injustice in the hands of the One who is always perfectly just. Most often, God’s timetable differs from ours. However, God’s not indifferent – nor asleep at the wheel. In His time, God acts justly.
George Whitefield, a well-known evangelist in the eighteenth century, enjoyed the acclaim he received in his early years. Thus, he considered it death when he as despised – and worse than death when people laughed at him. But, late in life, he said, “I have seen enough of popularity to be sick of it.”
Today’s question: How do you deal with the injustice of unwarranted criticism? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Spiritual paralysis helps no one”
