Ask for the Ancient Paths

Joseph wasn’t bitter toward his brothers who threw him into the pit and sold him as a slave to Egypt, or toward Potiphar’s wife who lied about him and got him thrown into jail. It was part of God’s plan. 

 Jesus wasn’t bitter toward Judas who betrayed him. Of course it hurt to be betrayed by a friend. But the truth is Jesus could have completed His mission without John, James and Peter, but He could not have done it without Judas. Judas was the only apostle necessary in Jesus’ life to get Him to the cross and fulfill what God had for His life. 

 In the same way, we all need a Judas in our lives to help us get to our cross so we can die to ourselves and fulfill God’s plan for our lives.  

The people who hurt us most are the biggest blessing because it brings us closer to God, and causes us to die to ourselves so we can become more like Christ and live for all that God has for us. There is no reason for me or anyone else to become bitter. 

 We’re also called to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. It’s not as easy to do as it is to say, but I’ve grown in this last year. God has really been teaching me the importance of this, of loving our enemies, of praying for those who persecute us, and to not become bitter when people hurt us. 

 So, remember, it all helps us to become more like Jesus. When people speak evil against us and lie like Jesus said they would, it can turn to a blessing. 

 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.