21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:21-23
We look to Christ as an example because there is great suffering in the world. We don’t see it in the West, but men, women, and children in ways that are unimaginable to the Western mind. Fellow believers are being raped, murdered, tortured, enslaved, beaten, and ridiculed by the hundreds of thousands. It’s unpleasant to even write this let alone having to think that someone is actually going through it.
But it’s not just happening to Christians. Cruel people do vile things to people of all religious beliefs (or no beliefs at all).
God sees it all.
Of course what happens to us is minuscule in comparison, but it is something! I mean, let’s face it, very bad things happen to people here too. When we come alongside some of these people, we need to realize they hurt. We have to hurt with them. But the important thing to remember is, God sees it all. Maybe vicious crimes have been committed and the perpetrators got away. Oh no, they didn’t. The punishment they avoided in this life won’t even compare to the punishment they’re receive when their time on earth is finished.
But it’s not fair!
You’re absolutely right. Your inner self wants to get mad and get even. You were horribly wronged!
I don’t know who you are or when you’ll be reading this, but I feel the need to pray for you. Someone reading this has been terribly wronged and violated. The person or people who did this to you are nowhere to be found. They got away with their crime, and you’re left trying to heal and mend. That’s not true because these people will be held account for their sin. It may not bring you much comfort now, but God saw it all and wants to heal you.
Dear God,
I pray for a few people reading this who have been wronged. They’ve been violated and are in desperate need of your strength. First of all, they need to know that you live them. You always have and always will. Envelope them with your love. I pray also that the healing process would begin.
Draw these people to you. Bring kind and compassionate friends in their lives to help them sort through this mess. That’s what it is, a mess. The road is long, but we know that You are guiding them every stop of the way.
Lastly, I pray that you will reassure these people that you have seen, heard, and felt it all. Reassure them that You will handle the situation and pronounce righteous judgement in due time. Lift that burden from them.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
If this post makes sense to you because of what it contains and you need to talk to someone, write me. If you’re a female, I’ll get you in contact with a female in your area. If you’re a guy, let’s talk.
Lay your burdens down.