Focal Point

Psalm 34:¹⁹ “People who do what is right may have many problems, BUT the Lord will solve them all.” (NCV).

The fact that you do what is right does not mean you will not have problems. Sometimes, when we have problems, we are perplexed because we do not think we should be having such problems because we are doing our best to do what is right. However, the Bible says that people who do what is right may have many problems. But the difference is that the Lord will solve not one, not two, not a few, but all. Psalm 34:¹⁹ “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all” (NKJV).

Sometimes, because we appear to have many problems, people think we are not doing right – ask Job. Sometimes, we even think that maybe something is wrong with our lives, and that is why we have not achieved A or attainted B. Well, God has told you in His Word that it could be because you are actually doing what is right, that is why you have such problems. But be of good cheer because God says He will solve them all. Do I get an ‘Amen’? So, when choosing or joining a team, remember the team you are on determines the success you enjoy.

The fourth thing is, Choose People Who Handle Criticism By Focusing On God. There are different ways of handling criticism. Some people handle criticism by crying; ‘Why me, why are they talking about me like that?’ Listen, if they do not talk about you, who should they be talking about? They must talk about you because it is your time to shine. Trees that bear fruits receive stones; if you bear fruits, you are going to be stoned, that is standard. You also need to be that person that handles criticism by focusing on God and not on yourself, or on your apparent  detractors, or on people that are anti-you. Treat compliments and criticism like chewing gum; chew on it a little bit but spit it out, because there is no nutritional value.

Matthew 5:^10-12 “God blesses those people who are treated badly for doing right. They belong to the kingdom of heaven. God will bless you when people insult you, mistreat you, and tell all kinds of evil lies about you because of me. Be happy and excited! You will have a great reward in heaven. People did these same things to the prophets who lived long ago.” (CEV). Some people handle criticism by kicking back; once they are criticized, they fire back instantly because that is their defence mechanism. Jesus is saying look for people and be the type of person that handles criticism by focusing on God.

Prayer: Father, I ask for the grace to handle criticism by focusing on God, in Jesus Name. Amen!