I did nothing except what I was told
I did no wrong but tell what I saw
And I thought it was just a story
Until I saw the enemy enraged
I realized, what I counted only a tale
Is a catalyst for transformation:
God and words changing lives.

We live in times when people are fiercely blind to the good while the not-so-good is magnified and publicized. Facing discouragement, here are some truth we must remind ourselves of;

1. Everybody is free to say whatever they want – let them. Sometime, someday, each man will have to face the consequences of their sayings and doings.
2. The choice to continue or to quit lies with us. Nobody else will be held responsible for the decisions we made even though the decisions were based on what they said or did.
3. Why am I doing what I am doing? If God is our ‘Why,’ then anybody can say and do what they want – it shouldn’t change what we do.
4. If what we do is for them, to show them, impress them, get their likes and appreciation, then it makes sense to stop if we are not getting targeted results.
5. If what we are doing is what God wants us to do, then we must focus on God and on the task, let discouragers focus on theirs – each person shall be rewarded accordingly.
6. Everything we do is a seed, good or bad, which we will reap someday; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over according to the good Book.
7. None of us is perfect. The fact that others are exploiting the revelation of our shortfalls doesn’t mean we quit or become like them. Rather than allowing their criticism, constructive or destructive, to knock us out, which is their target, we should strive to be better at what we are doing.
8. If what we are doing is for God, only God can reward us. He is a faithful rewarder.
9. The world may not be fair in their judgment but God is true and worth the cross we bear in His name, for His sake.
10. Our business is not what the world thinks, says and makes of us and what we are doing. Our business is pleasing the One who has called us. Our business is serving our best to Him through those to whom we have been called.

In the end, it is our choice to keep our eyes focused on the Chief story teller for whom we have accepted to share our stories. Every other person’s opinion is secondary, if it matters at all. It is not about what they said and did. It is about how we allow those to influence our attitude and service. If we give up because of them, what shall we tell the One who called us on that day when we stand before Him to give account of our stewardship? Reminds me of the Scripture that says if men on foot wear us out, what will we do with men on horses?” (Jeremiah 12:5) If our strength fails in times of trouble, then our strength truly was small (proverbs 24:10.) May God strengthen our hands to serve diligently where we have been called. Amen!

Glory!