Psalms 119:71   It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
DAILY READING   Acts 9:1-25; Joshua 3:1-5:1; Job 22

In 1936 German leader Adolf Hitler preached a flawed doctrine called ‘Aryan Supremacy’ His doctrine claimed Germans were superior beings, while other races were inferior, ‘subhuman’ and should be eliminated. This he would later carry out in his systematic killing of over 6 million Jews, gypsies, blacks, Slavs, communists, etc.

But before then, at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, he wanted to prove his theory to the world by showcasing the superiority of German athletes. As athletes arrived from other nations for the games, one of those representing America was a young black man named Jesse Owens.  Jesse was unnerved by the evident disdain for the black race by the German people. But Jesse determined not to let the hatred for his race put him down, rather he decided to prove Hitler wrong before the whole world. He knew the odds were great, and he went on his knees in prayer to engage the help of God. And God did send help. 

As the competition commenced, Jesse shocked spectators with his amazing performance. He broke Olympic records and won four gold medals, more than any other athlete. This made him the most successful athlete at the games. Hitler’s  ‘Aryan Supremacy’  theory was quickly overturned as people saw that a black man of the ‘subhuman’ race had defeated the ‘superior’ Germans. Hitler was so infuriated that he refused to give Jesse the traditional congratulatory handshake. But the German people were won over, and Jesse became a crowd favorite. Hitler’s hatred instead of hindering Jesse had fueled him to become one of the greatest athletes of all times. Indeed God can use your haters to promote you.

In the journey of life, just as God has divine connections lined up, He also has people who will be used to push you. Goliaths are not for your destruction, but for your elevation. Discouragers and haters can stir you up. Those against us perhaps help us sometimes more than our friends.  God used Judas more than any of the other disciples to accomplish the mission of Jesus on earth. Without the betrayal there would have been no  crucifixion or resurrection.  Jesus knew Judas would betray him but he didn’t try to stop it. He knew Judas was playing a vital role. No wonder Jesus called him ‘Friend’ [Matthew 26:50 ].The betrayal was crucial to the salvation plan.

 So understand that your haters are serving an important purpose in your destiny. Some of your critics are the reason why you have learned how to pray. They drove you to your knees and kept you praying. We wouldn’t reach our highest potential without oppositions. If God removed some of your critics today you probably would become spiritually lazy. So God allows them sometimes as thorns on your side, to keep you pressing forward. Just as God strategically placed Goliath on David’s path and also used Joseph’s brothers; haters can push you to your throne. Without the naysayers you wouldn’t become all you were created to be. Thank God for your friends but also learn to thank God for your enemies. That’s why Paul tells us in Romans 12:20  ‘if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink’. Why? Because he is helping your destiny. You need to see people that oppose you in a new light. They are there to make you better, not bitter. They are there to press you so that the treasure buried in you can flow out. Perhaps if Hitler had not disdained  the black race, Jesse may not have pushed as hard as he did to win the 4 gold medals, and prove him wrong. So instead of being discouraged by oppositions ask God to give you the needed wisdom to thrive. It is by the wisdom of God that pressures are turned to pleasures. The Holy Spirit as you seek Him, will show you how to maximize the situation. When  you stay in faith, God will turn your stumbling blocks to stepping stones. He will turn your pain into power, and  your mourning into dancing.

PRAYER: Lord, help me to see those that oppose me through the light of your Word. Help me to know that You are using them to move me into my greater destiny. .Grant me  the grace to still love them despite what they may have done, because I know all things are working together for my good in Jesus name. .   

QUOTE 

When God places His hand upon a man,  nothing can come against him, this is because the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.- WORDBITE 222.  

[ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK TRIUMPH OF LIGHT OVER DARKNESS]