When Life Hurts Unfairly

When Life Hurts Unfairly

I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more

severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 2 Cor 11:23

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2 Corinthians 11:16-29 (NIV)

16 I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then receive me just as you would a fool, so that I may do a little boasting. 17 In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would, but as a fool. 18 Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast. 19 You gladly put up with fools since you are so wise! 20 In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or pushes himself forward or slaps you in the face. 21 To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that! What anyone else dares to boast about--I am speaking as a fool--I also dare to boast about. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham's descendants? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?

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I was recently reading an edited devotional that I was credited with writing.

While I recognized most of it, I was surprised and delighted by an observation that

must have been added by the editor. The short lesson ended with, “After all,

God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called.”

Paul, as Saul, was an intellectual leader within the Hebrew community. I doubt very

much that he thought he was prepared to withstand the physical abuse that was to

be part of his journey as a disciple of Jesus. Yet somehow, he bore the pain and

turned it into an avenue to honour his faithful Saviour.

Some years ago, I was counseling at a summer camp in Michigan. One of the

young men in my care was badly scarred over his entire body. During one of our

relaxed times, we began to talk about life. Apparently Frank, who is not very

surefooted, was in a large shower room when the water became quickly and

unexpectedly very hot. The various jets from the half dozen or so shower heads

began to pour out scalding water. Frank slipped in his pain and fell to the floor.

By the time staff had arrived, he had severe burns to his entire body.

As I heard his story, I was impressed by the quiet way he told of his horrific

experience. He seemed to hold no malice for those who were responsible for his

care. It made me think of the times that I have gone completely off track in the

midst of some perceived unfairness directed at me. Frank, in his simplicity,

just got on with life.

I am reminded that King Solomon says in Proverbs 22 that “a good name is more

desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” (Prov 22:1)

Obviously the type of person we are is the most important thing in life if we want

to impact the lives of those we love for good. Character is, according to Solomon’s

inspired insights, a major goal for a full life. When I sense that I have been taken

advantage of or abused, I tend to think of things like revenge. But it is precisely at

these times, when Jesus is allowed to lead us, that we need to stay on track with

what is important. It is precisely at such times that God can grow love, joy, peace,

patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control — essential

elements of character — in our souls.

 

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Heavenly Father, help me to understand the maturing that Your presence can bring

to me when I have been treated unfairly. I marvel as I meet people who have faced

abuses and calamity in their lives and yet continue to go forward with a quiet

confidence. Teach me Your way. I need to learn from You. Amen.

- Noel Churchman

Noel was the Executive Director of Christian Horizons form 1976 to 2001. The devotionals we will be using are from a book he wrote in 2005 called “Walking with God”. Noel’s reflections are grounded in his experiences as an educator, and provider of supports for individuals with exceptional needs as well as his life as a dedicated follower of Christ.