Hurt

Yesterday we discussed quitting and there have been many that have quit. Today I would like to discuss about when you have been hurt. Let's look at two verses

Matthew 4: 16 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Matthew 16:24
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Did you notice the two words "follow me?" They are used 18 times in the Gospels. Jesus never said, "Follow My followers" or "Follow My leaders." He said, "Follow Me." It's all about Jesus the One who died for our sins. Stonewall Jackson was one of the South's greatest generals in the Civil War, and he died on the battlefield, shot by mistake by his own men. They call that friendly fire, when a soldier is shot by one of their own men. It happens to good people who are deeply wounded, shot by their own. Hurt, betrayed, disappointed by church folks, by people who claim to be Christians. It's not long that you notice you have put some distance from Christian things just like you'd keep away from a dog that had bitten you. When you're physically wounded, you find medical help so you can recover. How do you recover from the spiritual and emotional wounds of friendly fire? Let me make a few suggestions, we'll start by taking another look at these verses from yesterday. Hebrews 12:1
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. These verses are about finishing as a winner in the spiritual race we run here during our time on earth. If we are going to be in a race I for one want to be a winner and the way to be a winner is keep your eyes on the finish line. That is what we are told in verse 2 looking unto Jesus who perfected our faith. If we want to be a winner we don't ask the loser how he was able to be such a good loser. No! We watch and talk to the winner for no one wants to be a loser. It's all about Jesus and we must fix our eyes on Him and off other Christians and Churches. When you and I started it was Jesus and you know who will be at the finish line? It will not be that person who hurt you it will be Jesus. If you have found yourself withdrawing remember it wasn't Jesus who hurt you. The first step to recovery is knowing that it wasn't Jesus. Then watch out for the enemy for his strategy is to isolate you so he can have you. 1Peter 5:7
Casting all your care upon him; (Jesus) for he (Jesus) careth for you.

1Peter 5:8
Be sober, (clear minded) be vigilant; (keep a wake) because your adversary (enemy) the devil, as a roaring lion, walked about, seeking whom he may devour: In Africa, lions try to catch a gazelle that is away from the herd and if the lion finds them alone he can have them. If they are with the others, they're usually safe. Allow your hurt to separate you from the crowd and you have just entered a danger zone and may be lion food soon. If you have been hurt there's help around God's people; but you may say that is where I got hurt. I know but everyone did not gang up on you and that's why the Bible warns us not to "give up meeting together"

Hebrews 10:25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. There are many believers who don't shoot their own, who are imperfect but genuinely loving people. You've got to risk finding a church like that; you need them and they need you. Let go of the resentment for if you don't it will continue to grow and fester.

Hebrews 12:15
Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; hurt feelings not only hurt you they will hurt others. Don't allow the enemy to keep you defeated but ask God for forgiveness and help and I assure you He will help you. Casting all your care upon him;
for he careth for you.
No one ever cared for you like Jesus.