Embrace the Race: Persevering Through Challenging TimesSample

Misunderstood

Have you ever had someone misunderstand your intentions? When I first started in ministry, two of my closest friends decided they didn't want to be friends with me anymore. They had somehow concluded I was doing ministry for all the wrong reasons. They were so convinced of this that they felt compelled to write a three-page email to end our friendship. Eighteen years later, I can still remember the sting of the words which jumped off the computer screen.

A few years after receiving this letter, both of these individuals reached out to me and apologized, taking back the words they had spoken against me. Thankfully, I can't remember much now of what they said, but I still recall how the experience profoundly affected my confidence. For a long time, I wrestled with their words, wondering were their accusations true? Was I this awful person they had thought me to be?

Likewise, Joseph was a young man with a big future ahead of him. When he shared his dreams, no one could have imagined what God had in store for him. Sadly, his brothers and father took offense and misjudged his intentions rather than taking to heart what God was revealing to him. Joseph had a long road ahead of him until he reached greatness, but his journey began with others misunderstanding his call. 

Daily Challenge:

How about you? Have you ever found yourself in a place where others misunderstood or judged your intentions? Remember, God sees everything, and he knows the actual condition of your heart. Choose to forgive those who have misunderstood you and keep pressing into everything God has for you.