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Daily Inspirational Devotionals
Gloating over Others’ Misfortune You shouldn’t have rejoiced because they were suffering such misfortune. (Obadiah 1:12) Have you ever had someone gloat over your misfortune? Have you ever found out that a friend scoffed behind your back when you were down? Maybe you lost a good deal of money when the market turned south and later learned that your relatives laughed at your financial downturn. “I would have put the money in bonds,” they said smugly. “It serves him right for being so stupid.” Or maybe you lost a job that you loved and found that your coworkers said you had it coming. “He wasn’t worth his paycheck anyway.” I have a friend who went through a terrible trial a few years ago. His business collapsed, and his family was in crisis, and he struggled just to keep it all together. In the middle of his misfortune a man from his church began sending e-mails and letters, gloating over my friend’s calamity. The problems eventually worked themselves out, but my friend is still deeply wounded by the episode. And rumors that were set in motion still circulate. Edom gloated over Israel’s misfortune, and God let them know exactly how he felt about it. “You shouldn’t have done this!” God begins. “You shouldn’t have gloated when they exiled your relatives to distant lands. You shouldn’t have rejoiced because they were suffering such misfortune” (Obadiah 1:12-13). “You shouldn’t … Your shouldn’t … Your shouldn’t ….” Over and over he condemns them for laughing while Israel struggled. And it wasn’t as if Israel didn’t deserve their trouble—it was brought on by their sin. But it was God’s business to deal with that and not Edom’s to gloat about. It’s never fun to be in crisis and find that others are having a good time at your expense. The temptation is to strike back, but that never solves anything. The best approach is to step back and let God deal with them. Our Lord is the only one we have to answer to—and turn to—during times of trouble. He can fight our battles for us if he sees the need. And if the past is any indication of the future, it never sets well with God when someone gloats over another’s misfortune. Trust him. And see that you don’t fall into the same trap.
Today’s Reading Obadiah 1:12-15 Reflection Has anyone ever gloated over your problems? Have you tried to get even? Or are you willing to let God fight your battle?
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The best-selling Left Behind series has captured the attention of millions of readers, and it has changed lives. It has brought millions of believers the motivation to examine their hearts. Are you ready to embrace eternity? Live each moment as if it could be your last? Your future is more important than your past. Where you are going matters more than where you have been. What you do from this day forward means much more than what you have already done. You may be affected by your past, but you are not defined by it. Not in the eyes of God. What does it mean to embrace eternity? It means grasping each breath as if it could be your last, living life moment by precious moment with your feet planted firmly on earth but your heart aimed squarely at heaven. It means learning to embrace the role of dual citizenship—living in one world while belonging to another. It is a lifestyle of living like there’s no tomorrow and then dying so that your real life can finally begin! This 365-day devotional explores the themes introduced in the Left Behind series—themes of salvation, grace, obedience, and faith. New believers as well as mature believers will find a message of faith that will inspire and motivate daily.
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