COUNT THEM BLESSEDSpeaker: Sis. Stella Dhinakaran Gist: "Indeed we count them blessed who endure" (James 5:11). God will make you shine in your humiliation and lowliness. David also faced another severe humiliation in his life of struggles and battles. His own son Absalom rose against him. Because of his revolt David was put to shame. Then king David looked at his servants and said to them, "Let's arise and run away. We cannot escape from the hand of Absalom. Let's run away to safety protecting ourselves from the wrath of Absalom. He might come against us, put us to shame and burn down our town. So let's flee to safety." At last king David had to leave the town bare footed. He covered his head and walked without sandals. All the people who were loyal to him followed him also covering their faces and went along with him covering their heads (II Samuel 15:14, 16, 17, 30).
So much of humiliation and disgrace! As they were walking out of the city, Shimei, a man of the family of the House of Saul came there and spoke ill of David and reproached him. "Blood thirsty man of Baal, get lost, get lost," he shouted at David. At that moment Abishai son of Zeruiah looked at the king and said, "Why should this dead dog curse my Lord the King? Please let me take off his head" (II Samuel 16:5-9). But David answered him with all humility. "It may be that the Lord will look on my affliction and that the Lord will offer me good for his cursing this day" (II Samuel 16:12). King David exercised great patience in his affliction.
"Indeed we count them blessed who endure" (James 5:11) says the Bible. So my dear sisters guard your souls with your patience (Luke 21:19). Ask of the Lord the grace you need to exercise such great patience at the times of tribulations. Then the Lord would give you back all that you have lost, not one thing lacking; just as he blessed king David to restore all that had been taken away from him. He will make you shine in your humiliation and lowliness.
Prayer
My heavenly Father,
I praise and thank You for remembering me in my lowly state and also for Your mercy which endures forever. Give me Your divine grace to endure sufferings and help me to shine for Your glory even though I walk through the valley of humiliation and lowliness. I beg You to surround me this day with Your perfect grace and prosper all the work that I do. In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen. |