7/16/2026
"In times of affliction we commonly meet the
sweetest experiences of the love of God."
Daily Walk
Mark Twain once wrote "Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it." Over the past several months I have been keeping a close check on the motives of my heart. Last Sunday our pastor spoke about anger and the importance of not allowing the sun to go down on our wrath, as the Apostle Paul warned in Ephesians 4. This week I began the study of the book of Isaiah the prophet called to speak God's judgment against Judah. The Commentator of this portion of Scripture states that although Isaiah was aware that his countrymen were receiving the judgment for their sins that they deserved, his heart was broken. But, from that brokenness arose a man with great strength who was ready and able to do what God gave him to do. The Commentator then asks: "The sweet fragrance of perfume is only possible after a 'crushing' experience. And that's what God is doing today: bringing a sweet fragrance out of your life. But first must come the crushing - the conforming - the committing of your life to Him. Are you willing, like Isaiah, to be bruised that you might be used?"
My life has taught me one very important lesson, and it is found in one verse of Scripture that is repeated time and time again, often without thought or consideration, one of the "go to cliches" we Christians use frequently. Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Paul wrote this letter to the believers at Philippi from a prison cell thanking the them for their kindness to him, and to encourage them in their faith. It is known as a "happy letter." Paul does in deed write words that have encouraged me, and ones I have shared with many others as Scripture to commit to heart, especially those found in verses 4 - 8:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things."
In spite of his suffering, Paul encourages us to think on "good" things. He reminds me of Pollyanna playing The Glad Game! It worked, and it transformed a sleepy ole town held hostage by one bitter old spinster, Pollyanna's aunt, who was also changed. Think about something you're glad about.
Just before he gives the message of doing all things through Christ, he shares his reason for being able to trust in the strength of God. In the verse preceding, Philippians 4:12, Paul shares: "I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." Many times in Scripture Paul shares about the suffering he endures physically, but through it all he found true peace and a reason to go forth to complete the work God had given him to do, completing his race.
The prophet Isaiah spent sixty years speaking on behalf of God through visions during the reigns of King Uzziah, King Jotham, King Ahaz, and King Hezekiah. He lost his life during the reign of King Manesseh, King Hezekiah's son, when he was sawn in two for his prophetic witness. Many prophets of the LORD were martyred for speaking the words of the LORD early in Israel's history. Today the persecution of the church continues as antisemitism rises, and also as persecution of Christians who support Israel increases. Christians who stand against the hypocrisy of the government and organizations that encourage lawlessness and actions contrary to the Word of the LORD are becoming targets as well. The First Amendment is constantly in jeopardy, and the church remains silent against these wrongs. As in Isaiah's time God is calling our nation to repentance and leaders to speak out and make a stand.
When we make the decision to live for Christ and to do what He told us to do before He ascended to Heaven, we will make enemies. Before being able to complete the work God has given us to do, however, we must truly die to self, surrendering our desires to those of Christ.When we obey God's words concerning Israel, we face many enemies. As I have said many times before, there is a high cost to discipleship, and there are many saints, martyred for their faith, who can identify with that high cost. I remember the words of missionary Jim Elliot, who died at the age of 28 attempting to evangelize the Auca Indians, the Huaorani people of Ecuador, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." He and his friends who died with him knew the cost they may have to pay.
But like Paul, and like Isaiah, there is a fragrance that rises to heaven when we pray for others, stand for truth, encourage a brother who is suffering, by serving, by giving, and by loving others to Christ.We're on a mission. The price is high, but the reward is sweet and satisfying.
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