Answer Their Insults

   “Show me Your love and save me, Lord, as You have promised.  Then I will have an answer for everyone who insults me for trusting Your word.”  Psalm 119:41-42 CEV

   I gave one of my books to a neighbor some time ago, and after she read it, she began mocking my faith in God and His promises.  I confess that I was totally unprepared for her negative reaction, especially since she professed to be a Christian, and she prayed regularly.

   I was so pained by her hurtful speech that I quickly got alone with God, and poured out my heart to Him, asking Him for His perspective in the matter.  He led me to the verses above in Psalm 119.  And He impressed upon my heart that if I would continue to pray and trust Him to act on my behalf in every situation – according to His promises – He would reward me with His supernatural protection and provision.  And He would shut the mouths of those who insult me for believing in Him and His Word.

   I have seen the Lord prove His faithfulness to me in this manner time and time again.  His answers didn’t always come as quickly as I had hoped – but they did always come.  I am convinced more than ever that God loves to reward His faithful ones for their faithfulness.  There are many promises in His Word that bear this out.  One of my personal favorites is Proverbs 28:20 (NET): “A faithful person will have an abundance of blessings.”  Hallelujah!  And the faithless?  They have sealed their fate with their unbelief. (Revelation 21:8)  They deserve our pity and our prayers.

   The next time someone insults you for your faith in God and His promises, ask the Lord to answer their insults with mighty works on your behalf!

   Lord, when I am insulted or ridiculed for my faith, help me to respond in a Christlike manner.  Remind me often that Scripture says that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12 NLT)  Give me the right words at the right time to answer those who challenge my devotion to You. (Matthew 10:19-20)  Thank You for Your promise which says that You will show Yourself strong on my behalf because my heart is loyal to You! (2 Chronicles 16:9 NKJV)

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