August 27

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? — Matt 6:25 BSB

The Lord continues to use the things the world despises. The names "Nazarene" and "Christian" were once terms of contempt. No one can pursue God’s highest calling and remain popular with their immediate generation. Those who are most abused are often the most used by God.

There are greater tragedies than being unpopular or misunderstood. It is far worse to be found in the majority but outside of God’s will. Many of God’s greatest blessings lie behind the devil’s scarecrows of prejudice and misrepresentation. The Holy Spirit is not ashamed to use people who are unpopular, so why should they care what others think?

Let us seek only His approval and His will. Let us go wherever He sends us, even on the hardest missions and to the most humble tasks. The fact that He uses us is honor enough. Do not be afraid to follow Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach, for one day He will acknowledge our name before all of heaven and earth.