No Special Treatment

 

For the past week, I’ve suffered what seems to be a Job-like experience. If things go awry, the Lord normally reveals to me why or what He wants to teach me. This time, no clue. A pinched nerve in my neck giving me stabbing headaches, and a rash that seems without cause or even identity. I did find out they were not related to each other, and the pinched nerve seems to becoming ‘unpinched’ if that is a word. But the rash has not responded to four expensive creams or any home remedies, nor does there seem to be a reason for it.

The Bible tells me that God rules all things and is no respecter of persons, meaning He does not play favorites. He does have reasons, but as with Job, He is not obligated to tell anyone the ‘why’ of everything, only to trust Him. This shows up early in the OT:

For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. (Romans 9:15–18)

During the past few days, I could not concentrate in prayer. I’d start and immediately my mind went somewhere else. That is frustrating. Also, I slept several hours each day. That is not normal either, but seemed necessary.

Today’s reading is about God not being a respecter of persons. That means I cannot say I am immune from trouble for any reason on my part. He can protect me — or not. One pastor said this week that some Christians in our church are suffering but remain cheerful. That is a Holy Spirit thing and all I wanted to do was sleep?

Paul didn’t have the same problems, but he knew that the job he was given would bring suffering. Reading this passage makes me feel I need to think more like he thought:

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. (2 Timothy 1:8–12)

While my issues do not seem to be related in a specific sense to respecter of persons, the idea that God is going to give me special treatment while others suffer is not true. I’ve often called myself “God's spoiled brat” but He does not favor and protect me for who I am. His working is according to His will, and I cannot claim to be honored above anyone else.

Today’s reading ends with this statement and it is an important truth, one for which I need a good reminder as I seem to be giving myself too much respect:

“God is no respecter of persons,’ and neither should we be. There is no place in the church of God for the honoring of human flesh. We court none and we despise none. We receive as brethren all who worship our God. All are to be treated with equal love, care and esteem. Rich and poor, black and white, male and female—are all equals in Christ.”

PRAY: Jesus, I’m no wiser on the why of this experience, but like Job, I need to simply respect who You are and what You do without insisting You give me a reason or any other special treatment. You have saved me, given me Yourself and eternal life. That is special treatment — and totally not at all related to anything I’ve done to deserve it. Forgive me for thinking that I am more special than I am. You are the Lord, no matter what happens!