Out of the blue it came, like a lightening bolt. They had prepared their slings and arrows fashioned from their outrageous fortune and had used them with intentional force. It was premeditated. It was a set move. It was nasty.
Unless you have been living in the Amazon jungle for the last month, you may have noticed that I have published a book. I’m no marketer and you may have already been the subject of my social networking book promotion more than once. Sorry about that, but this is all new to me. You’ll see a copy of the book if you glance quickly to the right. Have a browse later on and buy one. All the proceeds go to a micro financing project in Cambodia.
In this book I describe my journey of faith through poetry. It is my story and it is personal. I had expected some criticism and some push back from those who just don’t get why I would do this. Why I would bear my soul in a book, then promote it and sell it for a worthy cause. I get why people wouldn’t get this. I also get that they would share there opinions – some more directly than others. I expected this and I was prepared.
I have often been persecuted and insulted for my faith. Mainly the subtle stuff – the blank looks, the whispers, people apologizing for swearing in front of me (what’s with that?) and the scattering of people when I walk in the room. All this is good. Really. It means that people maybe just recognize something in me that looks a bit like Jesus. This is what I’m aiming for and it helps me to know that I’m on the right track.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
~ Matthew 5:11
What I was totally unprepared for was a trident of three premeditated and planned attacks from people I had a huge amount of respect for. These people are Christians, followers of Jesus. We have similar beliefs and values. We are all writers and express our faith and actions using words. I admire these people. These are the people who sent me separate but clearly joint attacks about my book, about my over promotion of it, attacks about me as a person, and that I should just go back to where I have come from and be quiet. All of this of course, they claimed was in love. Strange way to show love.
Initially I was stunned. Then I slowly began to recognize this for what it was. The messages, not the people, were the evil one’s attempt to derail me, doubt myself and my God, and doubt what I was doing.
It. Did. Not. Work.
Sometimes as a Christian I despair, I think we need saving from ourselves. No wonder people don’t see the point of going to church. No wonder they see such hypocrisy. It’s because it’s there and it’s real. None of us are perfect, I’m sure not. I really believe that Christianity needs saving from religion. I have prayed for these people, that they would see through their words and use the eyes of their heart. This is what Jesus calls us to do.
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you ~ Matthew 5:44
Will they be on my Christmas Card list? Probably not. Do I still admire their work and think they are great writers? Absolutely. Do I or should you be surrounded by these type of people? No.
What I do know is this. We are blessed when we are persecuted – it means that we are on the right track. We are blessed because we serve a very big God. We are loved by God and that is all that matters.
So what about you my friend? Have you been persecuted lately? Here’s a harder question. Are you a follower that people need saving from? If you are, what will you do? Maybe sometime this week, here or somewhere share your story, it may just help someone recognize that they are blessed and that they are on the right road – just maybe with the wrong people. Perhaps you could pray for those who you know that are on this journey.
Lord, Save us from your Followers
I expected persecution
From those who have no tomorrows
But not from those who shoot their arrows
Lord, save me from your followers
I expected misunderstanding
From those trapped inside their sorrows
But not from those who sling their stones
Lord, save me from your followers
I expected slings and arrows
From those with who never lend nor borrow
But not from those who serve you God
Lord, save me from your followers
Poetry in Motion 
David, I think we expect more of other believers than we do of the world, and it hurts more when we are attacked by those of the faith. I call them church dragons. I have experienced such pain, but sadly, the enemy has used me too, as a dragon, in years past to afflict injury where I thought I was helping. If nothing else it has helped me to recognize the same traits in others, and as you have resolved, recognized that it was the enemy, not the individuals that was attacking you. An old pastor once told me Satan only attacks to block the outpouring of God. We can expect persecution as a Christ-follower. I’m glad you won’t stop sharing God’s love and power, and I pray your persecutors will recognize how Satan has used them, and that those relationships will be restored. Thanks for sharing
Great comment. I like the church dragon description. I too have been one of these and said spiteful things ‘in love’. I know that I’m throwing stones in my own glasshouse. I pray for these people, and that these relationships will be restored. God can do that.
Timely post my friend! I am sorry you have had to walk through the valley of persecution, especially from fellow followers! All I have to say is “run with endurance the race God has set before you!” ( Hebrews 12:1)
Secondly, this is timely for me because my husband and I were publicly persecuted and his position as a public school teacher was attacked two years ago when we posted our testimony on my blog. I backed off…way off. I have been cautious to down right cowardly since that time. God has been nudging me of late, to get back in the fight! Thanks for the gentle reminder that I was on the right road, I need to pray for those who persecute…mostly, I need to get to work for the greater good! 🙂
Thank you Bridget for your words. God timing is always the best. I’m glad this spoke to you. Go do what you now need to do 🙂
Gutted that you had to walk through that experience my friend. It sounds like the enemy’s been seeking to discourage and deflate. Praying for you and rejoicing that IT.DID.NOT.WORK!
No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.
Isaiah 54:16-17 Thanks Rob.
This very thing is what makes me afraid to publish a book…….Thank you David for being real and vulnerable so that we could learn.
Perhaps then this is the one thing you need to do? J R R Tolkein was heavily criticised for his trilogy of books. There’s a common theme. Most of it appears to be based in envy.