…Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps. He never sinned….He did not retaliate when he was insulted. When he suffered, he did not threaten to get even. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.
(1 Peter 2:18–23 NLT)
An armorbearer must possess endless strength so as to thrust, press, and force his way onward without giving way under harsh treatment.
The passage above makes it very clear that there will be times in the midst of battle when you and I will feel that we are being wrongfully treated. These types of situations are bound to arise, but do not allow Satan to put resentment into your heart. Learn to give the situation over to the Lord and endure what comes patiently; God will be pleased with you.
It may be that in your heart you know you made the right decision, but in the eyes of your leader, it may seem wrong. Such times will develop character in you if you will walk in love and allow the Spirit of God to take charge of the matter. Your strength will always come by encouraging yourself in the Lord, as David did in 1 Samuel 30:6.
The easy thing to do is to quit, saying, “Well, no one around here appreciates me; I was rebuked and I know I was right in what I did.” Do not give in to the flesh. Avoid the temptation to sow discord by telling others of your plight. God sees all, and you must trust Him to make things right.
The best thing you can do is to go into your prayer closet and stay there until 1 Peter 2:20 has become a part of your very being. In time, victory will spring forth and your heart will rejoice once again.
- Are you in the midst of a situation like what is described here? If so, separate yourself for a season of prayer. Pour your heart out to God. It might help to write down your thoughts and feelings.
- Give God the care of the situation and receive His boundless love and healing. Then out of that overflow, forgive your leader.
- Walk in love at all times.
Dear God, I make mistakes like everyone, but this time I know that I did what was right, what You wanted me to do. I refuse to give in to anger and self-pity, and I commit the situation to You, for You are my defense. I pray for my leader and trust that You are at work in Him. Make things right between us and bless him. Amen.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Terry has served as senior associate minister of a thriving congregation for over 23 years with over 40 years of experience in local church ministry. He is currently the senior pastor of Impact Church in Sherwood, Arkansas. Terry has authored four books. On the bestselling list, these books have motivated thousands of Christians to stand with their leaders in faithful service, helping them to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
Terry is the Founder and President of Focus on the Harvest, Inc. He's traveled extensively, awakening believers to this strategic generation. Through his God-given passion, believers are ignited to discover their gifts and callings, commit to the vision of their local church, and focus on the harvest of souls throughout their city, state, nation, and world.
Terry holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwestern University, where he met his wife, Kim. They've been married for over 40 years and have three children; McCall, Alex, and McKenna.
In May 2008, Terry and Kim began Impact Church, a dynamic and growing, multicultural body of believers in Sherwood, AR. We believe that Christianity is not a religion; it's a relationship. God loves each person individually. He desires everyone to know him personally.
