The Apostle Paul tells us how he was afflicted, struck down, perplexed, in frequent fastings, and in perils of many kinds. But he continually was being lifted by the power of Christ's resurrection. Christ's power was being made perfect in Paul's affliction.

Sometimes in America Christians act as though they own the country, as though their kingdom is this present world. They are loud in their demands that their will be followed. But the Lord Jesus Christ was not like this. Satan invited Him to be a king. People tried to make Him a king. But God's King did not force His will on anyone. He waited patiently for God to raise Him from the dead. Now He possesses all authority and power in Heaven and on the earth.

So it is true that we ultimately shall be brought to authority and power over the nations. But not until we are willing to be as a sheep before its shearers, when the occasion calls for it.

We American Christians need to learn quietness and humility! We are not to attempt to force our will, unless God should specifically direct us to do so. The way of Christ is to keep our mouth shut when we are oppressed and afflicted. This is the only kind of treatment we can expect to receive, in the present hour.

He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. (Isaiah 53:9—NIV)

One of the most difficult of the sufferings we American Christians are called upon to experience is that of being treated unjustly. This may not be the case with Christians in impoverished countries, who are accustomed to being treated unfairly. But in America we must have our rights or we shall sue someone.

The truth is, a true Christian will suffer many injustices and have lies spread about him. Satan will make sure he will be slandered by his fellow Christians—especially if he has set himself to wait on God that God's will might be done.

Others will seek to supplant him, to take credit for the hard work he has done, to ascribe evil motives to him when he is endeavoring to do good. Though his mouth is free from deceit he will be called a liar.

Has any of this happened to you? If it has you will know of what I am speaking.

We are not to respond. We are not to seek to justify ourselves, unless God directs us to speak out. We are to forget about our marvelous testimony and look only to God. Unjust accusations were voiced against Jesus Christ. You and I are called to experience His sufferings. And we shall—we must if we expect to rule with Him.

Our sinful, adamic nature will howl in protest because we are not being treated fairly. We are not receiving our just due. But we are to shut our mouth and submit ourselves to God. We are not to become bitter against the Christians the Lord permits to criticize us. We are to let every pain drive us further into the Lord, further into conformity to His death.

To be continued.