2 Timothy 4:16-17a – At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me. (KJV)

Many moons ago, I was employed as a substitute teacher at a nearby Christian daycare. The regular teacher needed to take some additional training classes, and I would be filling in the K-4 K-5 class until she returned.

I asked the administrator of the Christian daycare if I would be able to share with the class the story, The Tale of Three Trees, written by Angela Elwell Hunt, which, by the way, is a great story!

The administrator gave me permission to do so, and I shared the story with the class on a Friday. The children loved it. I was amazed at how intently they listened.

The following Monday when I came to work, the administrator wanted to see me. I was informed that one of the children, a little girl, had gone home and shared the story with her parents in great detail. Her dad, of a different faith, was very irate. He insisted that either I left or he was going to withdraw his daughter from the school.

The next day when I showed up once again for work, the administrator wanted to see me. I was thanked for the time that I was able to fill in, but was informed that the regular teacher was now back and therefore a substitute was no longer needed.

What a coincidence! I was terribly hurt and confused, but found such comfort in the apostle Paul's words, "Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me."

As I left carrying my teaching materials, I prayed silently to God that the tears would wait until I at least got back to my car. My heart sank to think that the Christian daycare would forfeit Christian teaching in an attempt to retain tuition.

Rejection for the cause of Christ is something that you and I have probably faced many times. Scripture tells us to expect it and rejoice in it.

1 Peter 4:12-13a – Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings. (KJV)

Praise God! What an awesome blessing and encouragement it is to know that the Lord stands right there with us. Oh! bless His holy name!

Oh! Bless His Holy Name!

Amidst the battle raging
Like billows on the sea
My voice I'll lift in rhapsody
And sing sweet praise to Thee

I won't look on the right side
Nor will I glance to the left
But stay my eyes upon the "Rock"
And rest within its cleft

For even now, I know for sure
And loudly I'll proclaim
God is working everything for good
Oh! bless His holy name!

I'll take the taunts and painful jeers
That my accusers bring
I'll place them at the cross's foot
And continue on to sing

For even now, I know for sure
And loudly I'll proclaim
God works everything for good
Oh! bless His holy name!

Prayer: Lord, thank You that though there are times when we are abandoned by others for our Christian faith, You stand right there beside us. Oh! bless Your holy name! Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share on Facebook

About the author:

Cheryl Mariano (Cheremiah) <cherylmariano@gmail.com>
Casa Grande, Arizona, USA
Send your feedback to the author