Dealing with Life's Injustices
Posted by James MacDonald on September 14, 2007 02:06 AM | Comments (37)Can't sleep. Up in the middle of the night over something that has happened that I'm struggling to let go of. Tossing and turning, talking to silent faces that don't respond to my well-reasoned, imagined presentations. I have been the recipient of an action that is 100% wrong. I didn't ask for it, I didn't deserve it, and I didn't see it coming. It's not right, it's not defensible, and it's most certainly unbiblical. It hurts my heart, it wounds my sense of fairness, and I can do absolutely nothing to change it. If I press for justice or at least vindication, I risk further misunderstanding and will only make matters worse. Those few who could step in and force a reconciliation are content to be passive and protect their own interests. . . Hmmmmm . . . Time to preach to myself!!!
What would Jesus do?
Hebrews 12:3, "Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Ok, yes, Jesus was falsely accused and much more and yet, "when he was reviled he did not revile in return." He was silent in the face of His accusers. Hmmmm. . . Well, too late for silence, but I can at least regroup and be silent going forward. I can, with God's help absolutely seal my lips and refuse to rally support for my cause or draw anyone else into the issue. Yes, silence; that seems right! But what about my cause? What about my reputation? What about justice?
More preaching to myself needed . . .
1 Peter 2:23a, "Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not." I know, I know, Jesus was silent, but that's not easy, especially not, as in my case where the issue involves total pagans. They don't believe as I do. They don't go to my church, read the same Book, or follow the same rules. How will this matter ever be set right if I just fold completely? Who's gonna handle this . . . ?
1 Peter 2:23a, "but committed himself to him that judges righteously." Yes, that's it. I believe there is a God of perfect justice who sees and keeps track of everything that happens. I don't need to fight for my rights, or demand a hearing or set the record straight. I don't need to fight for fairness or insist that others are held accountable, I need to commit the whole matter 100% to God and wait for Him to vindicate in His time and way. Romans 12:19, "Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, 'VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,' says the Lord."
OK, but what do I do with all these feelings welling up inside me? Oh, here comes another Scripture. James 2:13a, "For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy." Yes, that's it! Even though my flesh cries out for justice and the righting of all wrongs, in my spirit I know that I am following a master who has shown me a better way. The people in this situation are expecting a response of demanded rights, and push back about fairness, etc., etc. Because I know that I will account to God for every action I take, because I want the mercy of Christ for me and my family in that final day, I want to show mercy whenever possible. I want to withhold from others what they may deserve and give them grace instead. I have received so much grace, how could I not extend it to others?
Yep, that's it for sure. James 2:13b, "Mercy triumphs over judgment." That's what I should do, that's what I want to do, that's what . . . hmmm, with God's help I'm gonna do. I'm gonna write the matter off to the ultimate justice of God and show mercy to those involved.
I promise, Lord :)
Ok, back to bed. If I was smarter I would have settled this before I went to sleep. Psalm 127:2, "It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep."
I'll be snoring in 5 minutes. God is good!
james
Comments
Posted by: Brad | September 14, 2007 06:20 AM
I think God loves kings who don't throw spears in return. God cares more about our reputations than we do. That's why he leads us on paths of righteousness, for HIS name sake. Sometimes paths of righteousness pass through dark places.
Stay on the path and press on for his glory!
Posted by: Tom | September 14, 2007 10:37 AM
James,
I just read your post and i am grieved for what you and your family are enduring. God WILL balance the books of justice to all. Thanks be to God that we have saved BY Grace through Faith not by works of our own. (AMEN)
In the flesh we want to take action and justice in our own at times when we are hurt by others. James i certainly don't know the situation and it is not for me to know, But God knows. I'm praying for you man! Fight the good fight brother. See you at God's house on Sunday
Posted by: Matthew | September 14, 2007 01:31 PM
Nice post, preacher! It's nice to have a world-class preacher preach at you, isn't it? I know I like it.
Posted by: Patricia | September 14, 2007 04:43 PM
Hang in there Mr. McDonald.I know it's hard but it's nothing but the attack of Satan to distract you from your AWESOME ministry. God's Word through you on your radio broadcast has helped me more than you'll ever know.Thank you for letting our Lord use you. Stay encouraged and I'm praying for you and yours.
Posted by: Joanne | September 14, 2007 08:55 PM
Wow Pastor James ,God just did it AGAIN ! He used you through this posting of "Dealing with Life's Injustices" to answer a prayer req that I JUST submitted. AMEN and PRAISE GOD. You are SO blessed and I know that God not only LOVES you but He LIKES you too!! Thanks for being His Beloved and even through your suffering allowing Him to use you to help others. Now I know THAT makes you feel better! joanne
Posted by: Lorna Mac Donald | September 15, 2007 09:09 AM
Praying for you James.
It is so refreshing to hear a Pastor be honest.
Showing others how he deals with problems first hand.
He goes to the Word of God for answers.
He prays it through.
He goes back to bed and sleeps.
Praise God.
LMML
Posted by: Karen | September 15, 2007 10:42 AM
A man preached this summer that when we respond to things in life grounded in Christ's word, rather than feelings victory God's way comes! May your words mirror back to you the encouragment to act against our human nature. Our prayers will be covering you in this.
Posted by: olo | September 15, 2007 01:06 PM
So you just sit back and take it?
What happened to that great message on compromise you gave? You know; never compromise at all, always stand strong for right, etc.
And, say, about the section in Always Resolve Everything Now when it dealt with laws broken? "Go to the police. Period. It's not your position to protect somebody from due consequences"?
The Bible tells us many times to fight for justice of those being denied it.
Jesus DID question people back to point out their faults.
Editor Response:
Yeah, you're way off on this. It's others we defend not ourselves, unless the law is being broken which it is not in the case I reference in my post. Challenging the errors in others has to do with their teaching or their doctrine if it is a major thing etc. That is 100% different than how a believer is to respond to personal criticism and attack. Review the sermon on the mount, and then the passion of Christ in all four gospels and you will see how Jesus taught and lived the message of "turning the other cheek" and "entrusted Himself to Him who judges righteously." As far as the 50 words is concerned. It's our blog it's our decision, we want people to be able to comment without waxing eloquent, especially when their position is unbiblical as in the above post. I do not espouse passivity, or hyper grace, except when personally wronged. Jesus is our model, not just in how he died, but in how he lived.
God Bless,
james
Posted by: Debra | September 16, 2007 04:13 PM
Retaliation, revenge, retribution--yuck. Unfounded accusations from immature, misinformed or outright vindictive people can be used well by satan to rip a real hole in our “holy†armor. We’ve all been there (if you haven’t, just give your ministry some time). At first, we’re stunned and then we’re fuming! Our self-survival instinct kicks into overdrive and screams out to us “Don’t just sit there; do something!†The brave man is the one who realizes that to choose NOT to respond is also an action. Honestly, it’s the hardest thing to do. It is also what Christ wants us to do.
Posted by: dawne | September 16, 2007 07:40 PM
James,This week I was in 2 situations that were unjust.First time I flipped my lid and acted like an idiot. Still licking my wounds another situation arose.Handled it better but still said too much.What you said about sealing your lips-peirced my heart.I loved the way you demonstrated using scripture to work through how to respond.I think I must solve the problem and I hang to it.I so easily forget whose child I am and that His Book instructs me and He is my defender. I will be praying for you.
Posted by: Louise | September 16, 2007 11:26 PM
So I read this blog on Saturday, then I go into work the next day to find myself in an unjust situation, in the form of an e-mail from my boss, which was also sent to *his* boss. My first instinct is to respond with a similarly scathing e-mail, even though it's not a major issue.
Then a remembered this blog's message...so then I couldn't. It was unfair, yes, but God will protect my reputation.
Now, could you write a blog that makes my boss give me a four-day weekend? ;O)
Posted by: sharon | September 17, 2007 01:23 PM
Fighting the good fight.
A lot of us have suffered in this, sometimes by people who almost seem to get a perverse sense of joy from it.
I remember the pain and feeling of not being able to do anything about it. I remember it not leaving my head or heart for a while even while i prayed. It was only bearable because I stood on God's Word and refused to get off. I would never want to go through that again. Ever.
You know what you have to do and you're doing it.
The end.
Posted by: David | September 17, 2007 05:29 PM
I preached for six years and it was the most challenging thing I've ever had to do. I had so much resentment from so many folks who just treated me like garbage and for many reasons. Most of the attacks came from members of the church. I often wondered what I did wrong and the more I tried hard to please God and serve the worse it became. I believe all that you have written about, it's all biblical and true I just couldn't continue preaching and feel this way so I just quit the ministry.
Posted by: Don | September 17, 2007 07:03 PM
David,
Please, in Jesus name, get back in the game. Listen to James' series finish line faith. Paul's letter to Timothy.
Your friend,
Don
Posted by: Angie | September 17, 2007 08:42 PM
I am praying for you, James...you and your family.
I know you know you will be blessed as you follow Him.
Thank you for your service to the glory of our amazing God.
Through His great love we are more than conquerors!
In Him...
Posted by: Josh Lough | September 18, 2007 01:52 AM
Evil cannot be overcome with evil. It's impossible. People will never change when we retaliate. We might have our wrath appeased and our sense of justice satisfied, but the originator of the pain will not be changed. Overcome evil with good. Thanks James for that example. And David, I feel your pain, brother. I'm a pastor too. It's so hard. Let us pray this prayer together: "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the FELLOWSHIP OF SHARING IN HIS SUFFERINGS."
Posted by: Terri | September 18, 2007 04:46 PM
Thanks, Pastor James, for leading by example in very practical areas of walking with God. As you allowed yourself to be "preached to", you preached to me and others with a word from God's heart. Thank you for your honesty. It's a blessing to be a part of this church.
Posted by: B Givens | September 19, 2007 08:17 AM
Pastor James, I have been blessed by being able to hear your radio broadcast here in TN. So first, thank you for your ministry (Walk In The Word). Secondly, I want you to know that I am praying for you! The power of prayer is at work and I am excited to see what is to come of it! Know that you are a blessing to many people and your brothers and sisters are praying for you! Rest in Him!
Posted by: Mary | September 19, 2007 09:23 AM
Wow - my husband and I are going through the biggest battle of our lives. False accusations have been leveled against him and it has been sheer torture - BUT THANKS BE TO GOD! For it is through His word and awesome teachings from Pastor James that we have been able to gain strength in this most dark valley. I have ordered the IN IT TO WIN IT series and the GETTING GODs BEST DVD. Pastor James - for this season in our lives, God is using you to speak to our lives in a very personal way. ThankYou
Posted by: Dennis Nemitz | September 19, 2007 08:47 PM
What if the one or ones who wronged you are leaders in the church? What if they are doing something that is in direct opposition to the word of God. Don't we have an obligation to at least try to set things right? And what if that doesn't work, and they actually heap more injustice on you. What recourse? Dennis
Editor note:
Those are all good questions, Dennis, but with so many variables, it extends beyond the scope of this forum. The 3rd message in the series "Always Resolve Everything Now", titled, "Issues in Conflict Resolution" addresses questions like these in detail.
Posted by: Denise | September 20, 2007 01:00 PM
It is a wonderful, amazing thing that God is so unpredictable & creative. Included in this is how He challenges us. These things you are fully aware of. Your blatant honesty regarding your feelings in response to an unjust situation & how you respond by seeking the LORD & searching His Word is truly refreshing & welcomed. It serves strongly as a straightforward guide that helps keep us in line with His desires for us despite the situation.
Your ministries truly impact others, & they have thwarted nothing!
Thank you for your transparency. I am thankful for your heart for the LORD & for your commitment to Him to boldly, unapologetically proclaim His Word!
You & your family are prayed for.
Posted by: Don Faber | September 20, 2007 05:43 PM
Pastor,
This week I was thinking about you walking in brokeness. If you keep this up, there is going to be a whole lot of trouble around here. I mean, being surrendered to the Lord in all things and walking humbly before Him. As a result of your absolute surrender and brokeness, you have now allowed others to do the same. Please James!, no more, or God is going to pour out His Spirit like days of old.
P.S. -No more waking up in the middle of the night, so that God can talk to you! - OK?
Posted by: Don Faber | September 20, 2007 05:48 PM
Hey James!
I almost forgot! If you are wondering what category to put this blog under, put it under "STUFF THAT MAKES ME CHANGE"
:)
Posted by: Bernie | September 21, 2007 12:36 AM
Pastor James,
this is my first time blogging on eny site and actually responding to something.
I like your blog and your whole web site. I would just like to thank you for being an instrument of the Lord to teach us about the way God sees us when we are deeply hurt by people that are so close to our heart. Man! God is good. I really, really, I mean really feel at peace. I learned from this blog to let go of this and let God deal with it. I listen to Walk in the Word. Lovin-it.
I'll pray for u
Posted by: Jason | September 21, 2007 06:35 AM
Hi James,
I am well in agreement with the example Jesus gave before His tormentors, what Christian would not be?
I feel it is wise to balance our response to persecution with all examples from the Bible. Jesus, when His hour had come remained silent, but Paul, realizing the value of his new life did all he could to resist and counter with reason, the arguements of His accusers, wether they were Christian or not. He fought with all he had to remain free, he knew the value of his freedom.
Posted by: Jim | September 21, 2007 07:55 AM
Amen. May God bless you, your family and ministry abundantly in everything you do. May you be encouraged with the knowledge that I have been strengthend and encouraged by your ministry through the same sort of trial in my life. God is in control. Thanks.
Posted by: Shell | September 22, 2007 12:08 PM
i appreciate your ministry, it really blesses my heart to see someone so on fire for God. This particular blog really got to me, i have the hardest time not spouting off when i think someone else is wrong, which i know is NOT a good response. i have proven to myself over the last week that i can NOT say anything back when personally attacked, and honestly it feels better to know that God is in control now i have no fight in that situation, it's God's fight and i step aside! PRAISE GOD!
Posted by: Matt | September 26, 2007 12:40 AM
James,
Thank you for sharing this story---it's fantastic to see you walking the walk! My wife just endured an injustice (work-related email that was way off-base and unjust) and she's responding to it in such a Godly way, that it blows me away. I know much of her growth, as is mine, is thanks to your God-inspired teachings. God bless you and yours, James!
Posted by: Bob | September 26, 2007 06:16 PM
Dear James,
I have no wise words, no pius platitudes. My heart aches and my spirit languishes for you. All I can offer is the love of a brother and fellow servant, and the care and understanding of one who bears the scars of service.
Love and prayers for you and Kathy.
Bob
"Be bold, be strong".
Posted by: Anne Richardson | September 27, 2007 05:47 PM
There are so many blessings here Pastor James . I have been accused of things I did not do growing up but I tried to stick up for myself and couldn`t ,it just seemed to be worse. Day in and Day out. But you know silence and concentrating on God `s and willful prayers do get you through it but it takes great concentration to get away from the hurt, but it can be done and others will find out what was said and you will be defend and set right. do not lose what God gave you .
Posted by: Ren | October 4, 2007 04:34 PM
James, thank you for posting this blog. I just ran across it surfing your site while trying to prepare a bible study on self defense. Cool how God works isn't it? Thank you for your ministry.
Posted by: me | October 6, 2007 09:15 PM
So,I was told today, and in reading this, that since my husband walked out on me, I didn't see it coming... it's all okay and that he's forgiven - how is that fair? I'm sick and he's saying he's doing just fine..God will forgive him..to me, that's just not right (unjust)
Posted by: Matthew Westerholm | October 12, 2007 08:31 AM
Hi, me.
As a pastor, I'd really suggest that you talk through your situation with a spiritual leader or counselor. The internet is fantastic at giving good advice that does NOT fit a specific situation. Do you have a local church that you're a part of?
blessings,
Matthew Westerholm
Posted by: Brenden | October 20, 2007 02:22 PM
James,
Hey brother I just read your blog and can totally relate. I am going through something similar that is Biblcally upside-down, and a mess. I myself made it a little more of a mess at opening my mouth at the beginning of it. But the Lord has been gracious and thought me how to keep my mouth closed and He will bring the justice and shed the Light on all the things that are unseen. The Lord has given me this verse 1 Peter 2:18-20 Thanks for the encouragement!!!
Posted by: Marbella | October 27, 2007 12:45 AM
All I can say is "Thank You"
Posted by: rosalie | October 31, 2007 09:49 AM
Well, I read this late Pastor James as it's Oct 31. Please know I pray for you and also your family and at the same time I thank the Lord I found your church in 2002. It was the best thing that ever happened to me! Thanks for sharing your problems in your blog. I know the Lord helped you through that bad time. See you in Rolling Meadows on Sunday. And please (!) when you are up in front talking do not EVER doubt the impact your teachings are having on your people. You are(so)loved! God Bless You
Posted by: cw | December 31, 2007 04:12 PM
I often find myself in the shower having conversations with people who have "wronged" me. At the end of the one sided conversation, I feel like justice has been served because I spoke my "piece" but I find no "peace". Thank you for helping me through this unending circle of frustration. What matters most is my reaction to the wrong. I can harbor resentment or I can show love and grace which has been so freely been shown to me. I will vow to be a nice mother in law and not what has been patterned