They Don’t Like Me
I think it’s safe to say that we usually don’t make it a habit of being in the company of those who don’t like us. On the contrary, we enjoy being around people who like us or, at the least, are willing to tolerate us. Our natural inclination is to surround ourselves with like-minded people—those who have our best interests in mind and at heart.
However, there will be times in life when we find ourselves in the company of those who dislike us or, even worse, hate us without a reason. There will be times when we find ourselves face to face with those who have a strong desire to tear you down and to will their power over you in an effort to destroy you and or what you are trying to build.
In the scriptures, King David had a similar issue he was facing that he pondered on as he prayed. He says it like this: “Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs of my head; many are my enemies without cause, those who seek to destroy me. I am forced to restore what I did not steal.” The worst kind of hate is that without cause. We, at the least, want to know what we did to make people not like us. Did I unintentionally offend you? Did you assume something about me that I’m unaware of? Did you hear a rumor about me. These are all natural questions to ask when we encounter people who don’t like us-even worse, hate us without cause.
But here’s the thing: You shouldn’t spend your time questioning why people are hating on you and trying to destroy you without cause. Rather, you should be in a mindset to rejoice because the hate towards you is a sign of God’s favor on you. The scripture says it like this: “…As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” Listen my friends- God has a way of taking those people and those situations that come against you to destroy you and to bring you harm, He has a way using those stones of hatred to build bridges to your next level of success.
My friends, from time to time your character must be tested. Just as the scripture says, “…the testing of your faith produces perseverance, ultimately so you won’t lack anything.” The testing of your faith is always tied to your next assignment. I have a question. All the unusual hate and unnecessary trouble people are giving to you, could it be that God is doing a new thing in your life?
When people are out to “get you”, don’t be like Peter and start cutting people. God hasn’t called you to start backbiting, talking crazy, flexing your power, and throwing up your set. We all know you from the South side! Rather than acting like that, put your trust fully in God’s hands, knowing full well that he has a higher assignment for you. A much bigger opportunity. After all of the hate Joseph received and unnecessary trouble he persevered through, listen to what the scripture says, “So Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.’ Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck.”
Friends, I know it’s uncomfortable and makes you boil. But your trouble is not an obstacle, this is a divine opportunity. An opportunity for God to work in you and to bring you to an expected end. To bring you to a prosperous end. To give you promotions that you couldn’t even imagine.
