It took everything I had not to flinch when a big ol’ needle was injected into my eyelid, but I managed to hold it together. LOL! I felt very adultish in that moment because in my imagination I grabbed the doctor’s wrist right before he administered the shot and supernaturally flipped him about 26 feet into the air! Poor Doc, he was just doing his job!
3 months ago a bump developed on my eyelid, so I did what most of us do these days: I googled it. To me it looked like a stye which is caused by bacteria; basically I’d done a bad job keeping my eye clean. The doctor instructed me to use a damp, warm compress several times a day, but this new little pest kept living on my eye. Some of my friends jokingly suggested that I try applying my own urine! People swear by it, but mama don’t play that! LOL!
Months passed and the stye was not going bye bye. Hence another doctor visit, but this time he said, “This is a chalazion which is created by a blocked gland. You did not cause it and could not have prevented it. We will try a steroid shot, and if that doesn’t do it, we will surgically remove it.”
The bump on my eye was not a big deal, but it reminded me that when truly hard things do come upon me, it’s not always because I have done something wrong.
I heard a powerful teaching from 2nd Samuel chapter 10 that elaborates this truth. In this story King David’s old friend, Nahash (King of the Ammonites), suddenly died. David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.” (v.2).
So David sent some of his “mighty men” to express kindness, sympathy and blessing to the grieving son, Hanun, and their people. However, some of the Ammonite nobles convinced Hanun that the mighty men were coming to spy and overthrow them. This was completely a false accusation; nevertheless the Ammonites seized David’s men and ordered that half of their beards be shaved off and their robes be cut off above their rear ends!
Think about it: these men were sent on a mission of goodwill by their King, but they were falsely accused, persecuted and humiliated! Maybe compared to other persecutions it doesn’t seem like much, but still…they were obedient in carrying out a kind act…and by no fault of their own…they were “done wrong” as we like to say in Texas.
Even if you live for God and serve Him and obey Him, you will go through trials of many kinds. No one is exempt from it. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
But that’s not the end of the story! When David heard what happened, he sent a messenger to tell his mighty men to go to Jericho for awhile so they would not be further humiliated when they arrived home. In Jericho they could let their beards grow out and recieve new garments.
Jericho
Interestingly Jericho means “a city of sweet fragrance.” When we are “done wrong” we should go to “Jericho” and find refuge in God’s sweet presence. Your “beard” will grow back! Your “robes” will be restored. Don’t seek vengeance. Keep the right spirit…stay sweet…and God will make it right!
Romans 12:18–Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
God will fight for us and we can:
- Give thanks when we feel like complaining!
- Pray when we feel like worrying!
- Read God’s Word when we feel like asking “why?”
The struggle is real but so is the blessing that God will bring. King David battled the Ammonites and thoroughly defeated them. Your King Jesus will battle for you too!
Sometimes we bring trouble upon ourselves, but other times hurtful things occur when we are doing the right thing. Just remember, when it happens (and it will) go to the sweet place: praise, pray and be in the Word. Press into His sweet presence. Do not allow yourself to become bitter and angry. Don’t seek revenge! Instead let God fight for you!
The amazing thing about God is even when it is our own fault, He leads us to redemption. Either way…He will amaze you…surprise you…and overwhelm you with His love, goodness and faithfulness!
P.S. I’m very happy to report that the bump on my eye disappeared only 3 days after the shot! During those 3 days it looked awful…it turned black…but then it was gone as quickly as it appeared.