The Vote

The Vote

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

James 1:2

Fellow citizens,” said the candidate running for political office, “I have fought against the Indians. I have often had no bed but the battlefield, and no canopy but the sky. I have marched over the frozen ground until every step has been marked with blood.”

His story told well, until a dried-up-looking voter came to the front to speak to him.

“Did you say you fought for the Union?”

“Yes!” replied the candidate with pride.

“And agin the Indians?”

“Yes, many a time, my good man.”

“And that you slept on the ground with only the sky for a kiver?”

“Certainly, sir, over and over again.”

“And that your feet bled in marching over the frozen ground?”

“Yes, that they did,” cried the exultant candidate.

“Then I’ll be switched if you hain’t done enough for your country. Go home and rest. I’ll vote for the other fellow.”

The apostle Paul was not running for office, but he was required to defend himself in the public arena on more than one occasion. He, too, found it necessary to rehearse the struggles and difficulties of his life—beaten with rods, stoned, left for dead, shipwrecked, lost at sea, robbed, and other painful experiences—all for the name of Jesus.

When I read that list, I wince to think that I have never suffered any of those things for my Lord. And yet, I sometimes hear myself whining about insignificant offenses that come my way—an insult, a criticism, an oversight. I want so much to face my trials with the joy that comes from suffering for Christ. And I pray that I will smile in the face of troubles so others can see him in me.

Suffering Savior, please forgive me for my weakness and self-serving attitude. I bow in humility and sincere repentance before you. Help me to reflect your joy in all circumstances. Amen.