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- Oct 26, 2007
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"If only someone would listen to me! Look, I will sign my name to my defense. Let the Almighty answer me. Let my accuser write out the charges against me. Job 31:35 NLT
Every man faces moments when he must defend himself. Whether it’s an attack on his reputation or a false accusation, a situation requiring self-defense can shake him to the core. For some, it’s a constant frustration at work or in the home. Job defended himself when God allowed Satan to test him, and Paul did the same when the Corinthian church accused him of misusing his position (1 Corinthians 9:1-18).
Both men struggled with how and when to speak up—with the proper time and place for self-defense. Peter explained the best approach when he used Jesus’ example: “He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly” (1 Peter 2:23).
Some leadership materials might suggest immediate and intense intervention similar to the way Job responded (see Job 38 for God’s response to Job’s hasty defense). But Paul and Jesus demonstrated the wisdom in waiting and in knowing that a man’s defense ultimately rests in God’s hands—in the hands of the One “who alone does mighty miracles” (Psalm 136:4).
Prayer: Father, help me to listen to You and follow Your leading whenever I feel the need to defend myself.
Every man faces moments when he must defend himself. Whether it’s an attack on his reputation or a false accusation, a situation requiring self-defense can shake him to the core. For some, it’s a constant frustration at work or in the home. Job defended himself when God allowed Satan to test him, and Paul did the same when the Corinthian church accused him of misusing his position (1 Corinthians 9:1-18).
Both men struggled with how and when to speak up—with the proper time and place for self-defense. Peter explained the best approach when he used Jesus’ example: “He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly” (1 Peter 2:23).
Some leadership materials might suggest immediate and intense intervention similar to the way Job responded (see Job 38 for God’s response to Job’s hasty defense). But Paul and Jesus demonstrated the wisdom in waiting and in knowing that a man’s defense ultimately rests in God’s hands—in the hands of the One “who alone does mighty miracles” (Psalm 136:4).
Prayer: Father, help me to listen to You and follow Your leading whenever I feel the need to defend myself.
