“All my enemies whisper together against me; they imagine the worst for me,” saying, A vile disease has afflicted him; he will never get up from the place where he lies.” Psalm 41:7-8
 
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” I learned this little rhyme as a child from well-meaning friends or family, you may have, too. The truth is that even though we grow and learn to allow most negative things said to us not to bother us, there are times when an arrow will get through our armor and cause pain. It’s important to remember that you’re in good company. People from the rich to the poor, from academics to the uneducated, from closest friends to total strangers – everyone is hurt, offended, or disappointed with others at times. Ed Cole said, “Crisis is normal to life.”
 
Nehemiah had to deal with Sanballat and Tobiah thwarting him as he worked to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah chapter 4
 
Job had the counsel of his friends, who gave him terrible advice and explanations for his situation. All this when he had lost his family, livestock, and his homes, it was no doubt the worst time of his life, and his friends were no comfort. Job 2:11-22

David had Saul, the king he ministered to, when evil spirits would torment him. Later, Saul and the army of Israel (who David valiantly served) hunted him and wanted to execute him because of God’s anointing. 
1 Samuel chapters 18 – 26

Paul had an undisclosed “thorn in the flesh” that was sent to humble him and keep him from pride. He asked The Lord to deliver him from it, but The Lord said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for in your weakness, I am shown to be strong.” 2 Corinthians 12
 
Finally, Jesus had Peter, who countered His proclamation when Jesus told the disciples what was to come. Jesus told His disciples that He would go to Jerusalem, suffer many things, and be killed. “Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. Peter said, “Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!” Jesus strongly rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Matthew 16:21-23

Peter’s motive was wrong; he was seeing things as a friend of Jesus rather than from God’s perspective, with Jesus as the Savior of the world. At times, those who disappoint us are unable to see our priorities and purpose, so they misunderstand. The Lord gives several instructions in His Word when we’re facing betrayal, offense, or being misunderstood: love our enemies, pray for those who persecute and despitefully use us, and don’t repay evil for evil. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble, but I have overcome the world.” Jesus gives us the ability to do whatever we need to do to obey His Word. Everyone experiences crisis; you aren’t forgotten when you’re going through tough times and heartache. The opposite is true: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
 
Our disappointing circumstances are temporary. No matter what others are saying or what has been done, there is nothing God cannot mend or make new. The Lord will see you through to better days. Nehemiah finished the wall in record time, Job’s fortune and family were restored and increased, David became the king of Israel, Paul is receiving God’s reward for all his trials and hardships, and Jesus is seated at the right hand of The Father, in His throne, and He’s praying for you. You can trust The Lord; you are His, and He is yours. Crises come and go, but Jesus is with you always.