Introduction
Some Humans beings may be ignored, abandoned or despised by others because of their background. Man does not see as God sees. They may not value or treasure others as God does. This piece of writing reflects on people who were looked down on by others because of their current circumstances.
Cast Down but not Destroyed
“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed” (2Co 4:6-9).
According to Paul´s experience, a believer may be troubled, rejected, abandoned or thrown down by other people or forces but that does not mean that the person is deprived of life and God´s protection. God´s eye is continually on His chosen children. Man would persecute you as much as
they could but God would not forsake His own. Below is the story of Jephthah who was persecuted by his own but he was remembered of God.
Jephthah
Jephthah was ostracized from his own city by his brethren because his mother was a sexually promiscuous woman (Jdg 11:1). This attitude of his brethren toward him was disheartening but Jephthah did not abandon his God. He kept his integrity so his God never deserted Him. The people who cast Jephthah out later went out to him for his support because of his unique skill and strength. God made it possible for him to be remembered and made him relevant to his enemies. It is said that:
“When the children of Ammon made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to fetch Jephthah out of the land of Tob: And they said unto Jephthah, Come, and be our captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon. And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, Did not ye hate me, and expel me out of my father’s house? and why are ye come unto me now when ye are in distress? And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, Therefore we turn again to thee now, that thou mayest go with us, and fight against the children of Ammon, and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead” (Jdg 11:5-8).
God commanded his blessing upon Jephthah to the extent that his people could not do without him. He least expected that God would favor him in a manner such as this. A person who had been driven out now becomes the head over those who drove him out. You may be mocked at or driven out of a group or a family but never mind, the blessing of God upon your life would definitely cause the people to lift you high above themselves. Then it shall be said of you that the stone the builder rejected has become a cornerstone and it is amazing in our eyes (Mat 21:42, Luk 20:17).
Jephthah, when he was sent away, surrounded himself with vagabonds (Jdg 11:3) but God took him from there and made him a leader of His inheritance. It is established that God takes the foolish things of this world to confound the wise (1Co 1:7). If you think that you are useless, stupid, and least recognized by people, you need not worry. Keep the fort, continue to develop yourself, and keep trusting your God, for, in due time, He would be your glory, lifter up of your head (Psa 3:3), and establish your going.
Conclusion
A person may be of low social status, disrespected, disabled, and abandoned but God has the power to raise such a person from miry clay and make him/her a person of honor made for the master´s use. The actions of men may increase a person´s grief but when God commanded His blessings upon him/her his/her circumstances change.
Prayer: May the Lord God build you up and reform you by lifting you higher above your enemies. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen!