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Joanne Lowe

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THE FIRES OF CRITICISM

“But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”

Isaiah 43: 1, 2 King James Version

In the last four months, I have received eight emails from people who have told me that they had been criticized by their families and their friends for taking a stand for Jesus. I also have been criticized a lot in the last six months because I put Jesus first above everything and everyone. We need to thank God that He allows us to serve Him as it is a privilege and honor to serve a Holy God.

Since we are human, we are going to get our feelings hurt but we need to remember that when Jesus was here on earth, He too was criticized. He understands how it hurts when people say unkind things to us and ridicule us. He has felt the sharp arrows of rejection, ridicule and criticism in His heart many times. The sad thing is that He is still being rejected, ridiculed and rejected. May God forgive us for treating the Saviour of the world the way we treat Him at times.

Yes, we will have to endure criticism and sarcasm from people. Sad to say but sometimes we will be criticized and hurt by our own families. However, Jesus has promised us that He will be with us when we are attacked by the fires of criticism. People can hurl their fiery darts of ridicule, hatred and criticism at us but we will be protected by our Saviour. Thank God for the protection of our loving Saviour!

Jesus tells us in these verses that He calls us by our name and that we belong to Him. To think that the Saviour of the world calls me by my name fills my heart with unspeakable joy and happiness. Not only does He call me by my name; He tells me that I belong to Him. What a Saviour; what a friend; this Jesus of Nazareth! There is no one like Jesus! No one loves us like He loves us. He is a friend beyond compare.

If today you feel that you can’t go another minute because of all the criticism and sarcasm, tell Jesus about it. He already knows but He wants you to go to Him and share your heart with Him. He will be faithful to put the fragmented pieces of your heart and life together again. He really does love you. He loves you so much that He died for you. He is waiting with outstretched arms to comfort and encourage you. Run into His compassionate arms of unconditional love and you will once again feel a peace that only He can give you.

Joanne Lowe
November 17, 2007

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