A good name is better than riches- Proverbs 22:1
As human beings, we tend to be conscious of our name, and this makes facing shame and disgrace a difficult thing. There have been cases of people who have committed suicide when faced with shame and disgrace. It is easy to condemn such people , but it takes walking a day in their shoes to know how they felt when faced with shame, disappointment, ridicule and humiliation.
As a child of God, there can be times when we may face situations that could bring us shame, ridicule, persecution, and humiliation. These could be the result of our own mistakes, or as a result of our faith in God. Whatever the cause of this shame, we must learn to look beyond the now, and encourage ourselves in the Lord.
Jesus looked at what was ahead of Him, and this helped Him to endure shame and disgrace in the now. Also, He believed in His Father's promise to never leave Him nor forsake Him. Even though He felt forsaken on the cross, His faith in God's promise led Him to tell the thief by Him - "Today , you shall be with me in paradise."
Joseph faced shame and ridicule when he was sold into slavery by his own brothers, and most especially when he was accused of attempted rape even though he was innocent. Joseph did not give up on God. It is quite obvious Joseph still trusted in God as he even used the gift of dream interpretation from God whilst in prison. Joseph, I presume had a heart that loved God and was willing to wait patiently for Him . In the end, God came through for him. When we are faced with shame and disgrace, we must look to God and remind ourselves that though we walk through the shadow of death, we shall fear no evil, for God is with us.
There is a better promise for us, it is a promise of a good end, for all things will work out for the good of them that love the Lord. The in-betweens may be full of somethings good, and other things bad. However the good and bad will in the end bring only good. Look on the brighter end. Keep your eyes on the reward and the better life at the end. Keep your eyes on God, no matter what comes your way. No matter the shame and disgrace, don't give up on your life, and don't commit suicide. God is able to forgive you, for though your sins may be as scarlet , they shall be made as white as snow. Don't give up when men accuse you falsely, they did the same to Joseph, to Jesus and to Stephen. Stephen died a painful and shameful death by being stoned, and yet he still trusted in God to the end, even asked God to forgive those stoning him. On earth, Stephen faced shame, but God opened his eyes to see that whilst facing shame on earth for the sake of the Gospel, Heaven was giving him a standing ovation, WOW! Acts 7:54-60.
Shame must not drag you to end your life. There are good things in store for you if you love God - simply trust Him and His promises. I know the plans that I have for you says the Lord. Plans of good and not of evil. To give you hope and bring you to an expected end . Jeremiah 29:11
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