I will promise to learn what Jesus experienced, the “contradiction of sinners against himself” (Hebrews 12:3, KJV). So often my best friends become a “snare” (Matthew 16:23, Berkeley). Jesus had to suffer the contradiction of Simon Peter against Himself. What harder trial than to have your most loyal supporter unconsciously become your worst enemy? But Jesus “endured” it (Hebrews 12:3, KJV).
This is where I fail so often. I do not endure. When opposed by a brother, I feel sorry for myself, lash out in anger, or shrug the whole thing off with a moral philosophy, “That’s the way things are.” How much better for me to learn something from the contradiction. Why should I waste a valuable commodity like a contradiction when it has so many educational benefits for me?
To be contradicted means I can shape my brother, my opponent, and he can shape me. It is a diamond cutting a diamond. God does not send me contradictions to harass me (only Satan harasses; God always disciplines and educates). He sends those contradictions because there is still something in my character (lack of patience, maybe?) that needs His correction. And likewise my contradictor has a defect that God intends to correct.
Lord, teach me how to endure, as Jesus did. Teach me that snares and obstacles, traps and offenses are only means of reaffirming my ministry to which You have called me. If I keep my eye on the goal as Jesus did (Hebrews 12:1–2), I will endure. Maps and snares never bother the disciple who is steadfastly looking at his Pioneer and Guide. When the “contradicted One” is in me and is in control, He will enable me to cut through the forests of contradictions like an experienced woodsman. He has gone before me. Now He turns to give me what He has—the life of unruffled trust.
“Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13).
Daily with the King 