Deuteronomy 32:29
If only they were wise and would understand this and discern what their end will be!
When I became the pastor of a church in central Oregon, I was informed that the custodial services were performed by a young woman who lived with her mother and brother. For some reason they did not attend the church, but strange as it may seem, when they had visitors they would show them through the church with pride.
After I had been there for a few years, two members of our congregation told me that the young woman had been hired by the lumber mill and, if she gave up the church custodial job, they would like to assume the task as part of their ministry.
I phoned the young woman with the intention of congratulating her on the new job and to ask if she still wanted to do our custodial work. Her brother answered my call and I heard him say, “It’s the preacher. He probably is going to fire you.” That seemed to set the idea firmly in her mind. She ignored my congratulations, and when I asked about her intentions for continuing at the church, she said she quit! Wow! I tried to explain that my reason for calling was only to find out what her plans were.
A short time later, she (along with her mother and brother) came to our home and read me the riot act about not having the decency to come and fire her in person. I was never able to convince them of my true intentions all the time I was there.
There are many people who will misunderstand us and even oppose us. The only thing we can do is keep our eyes on the Lord and allow Him to direct our path and deal with those who choose to misunderstand our words and actions.
Blessings, Dear Hearts, draw near to God today, trust Him completely, and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil