The Bible tells how to accept defeat graciously. It's a precious achievement! Joseph was "defeated" when his ten brothers sold him as a slave into Egypt. Thoroughly humiliated, brought to near despair by this "providence," he endured with fidelity and honor, and was eventually "reimbursed" by "providence."
David was forced to endure ten long years of being hunted as a wild beast by King Saul. He too was eventually "reimbursed" by "providence." Jeremiah's humiliation was lifelong. He never was granted any kind of "reimbursement," and had to die in humiliating exile, his entire life apparently a total failure. His bitter cup to drink was never sweetened.
And of course we don't want to make an awkward comparison, but we can't help but think of the Master Loser of all time and eternity, the One who suffered the final humiliation of being rejected by His own nation, who had to hear them shout "Crucify Him!" and who had to die with that cry of hatred ringing in His ears. Not a trace of "reimbursement" was His, except a reawakened faith in His own dying heart--that pierced the total darkness of His despair.
For many who wrestle with personal problems, your tension may seem like a lifetime. Find comfort and encouragement in God's Word where help for losers is abundant.
From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: December 14, 2000.
Copyright © 2011 by Robert J. Wieland.
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