Devotional #24     

Standing on the Side of Right, No Matter the Cost 

Doing what’s right often comes at great cost! Mankind’s sinful condition, with all of its fears and confusion seems to make everything within us stand up and rally against the goodness we know that we should do! But, are we sabotaging ourselves from receiving the benefits of obedience to righteousness?

I often wondered what would have happened if when questioned as to whether or not he had known Jesus, Peter answered, “Yes, I am His disciple!” Perhaps fearing for his life, our Lord’s prediction came to pass. Peter denied knowing Jesus three times even before the rooster crowed to usher in Christ’s most difficult day! In fact, at his most trying time, most of His friends (including Peter) fled from Him. I’m sure they suffered more than if they had chosen to stand with Him. Since God had a purpose for their lives in spreading the Gospel, I perceive that they would somehow surely have survived. John, the only disciple to follow Christ to His cross, never stopped pursuing the Lord, in the face of his own capture and perhaps death, and was not harmed but gained a mother at the foot of the crucifix.   

When the Lord was readying me to leave my first church, I started to see my pastor’s conduct deteriorating. Fearing that people would leave, he started trying to control our comings and goings. One of my dear friends, who knew that his behavior was inappropriate, called him out on it, in love. Shortly later, she and I were sitting together during a bible study. As he was teaching that night he said, “There is a reason why God created every creature on earth.” She jokingly whispered to me, “I’m sure that’s true, but I can’t figure out why he created cockroaches and why there are so many in my apartment!” We both exchanged a quiet chuckle. He stopped teaching, called her out by name and began berating her in a tirade that lasted for several of the most uncomfortable minutes of our lives. I had to make a choice. I thought if I continued sitting near her would I be setting myself against my pastor? But, if I didn’t sit with her, would I be abandoning my dear friend and condoning his poor attitude? I believe I made the right choice and continued sitting with my friend. In time, she invited me to what would become my next church; a place where God grew me in ministry and in the gifts of His Holy Spirit! Stand on the side of right, despite the cost, it will lead you to many great blessings.

In the months leading up to my wedding day, as the Lord was uniting my heart more to my wife-to-be, He drove me to confront my father in a way I never had before. I knew that I needed to break free from his control of me. I never did so growing up because I feared that my father’s anger would get the best of him and that he might actually kill me. This fear was often used, by Satan, to virtually paralyze me. The Holy Spirit filled me with this word, like a fire that started in my very core: “It is better that I died this day by his hand, than I live another day under his thumb.” This was the impetus that helped me to speak my peace!

Less than a week before my wedding, I lovingly approached my dad, thanking him for his love, provision and concern he had given me through the years, I boldly said that I needed to make my own decisions. Although he could always give me advice, that I may not do what he wanted. Rather than trying to relate with me in a new way, he continued to oppose me and argue.

At God’s leading, I separated from my father and shortly later my whole family. There is absolutely a great cost to doing what’s right. But, once you pay it, you become free to enjoy God’s richer blessings!

See It for Yourself: Matthew 26:31-35, 65-75, Psalm 34:19

Prayer Focus:

Dear Lord,

      Your Word says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Jesus, Your only begotten Son, showed us by example that righteousness has a great cost. But, once I’ve paid it, I shall truly have riches that never diminish. Rather they are deposited into an eternal account. Help me to make each stand that I must, by Your grace and strength.  

In Jesus’ name I pray, 

Amen.

Working It Out:  Stand for God and He will stand for you!