We all have eyes to see and an instinct to judge people’s situations, either rightly or wrongly.
This piece explores the dangers of misjudging the suffering servants of our Father in heaven and other members of the broader society and seeks to renew the minds of the public toward such individuals. We conclude that public perception about God’s servants can be far removed from the reality that God alone knows.
It is natural for each of us to desire a smooth-sailing life. We long for peace, good health, a long life, success, and ease in our endeavours. Yet circumstances often cloud these desires, sometimes due to our own mistakes, sometimes through divine orchestration, and sometimes by the schemes of the evil one.
However, the public may misjudge the suffering servant of God far too quickly. Many people often interpret the suffering of God’s servants as proof of failure or guilt. Yet human verdicts are often wrong, for God’s purposes can still be unfolding amid seasons of suffering and humiliation.
Having observed the plight of many Christians and others who have been abandoned because of public misjudgements, I decided to write this piece to encourage all who walk through the shadow of death not to fear evil, for He is with them ( Psalm 23).
This article is anchored on the actions of Shimei against King David (2 Samuel 16:5 – 14); the story of blind Bartimaeus (John 9); and Jesus’ sufferings and death (Acts 2:23).
When David was running away from Absalom and his forces, Shimei publicly cursed David, pelted stones and dust at him, and said, “You are a man of blood. God has taken the kingdom from you” Shimei perceived David’s humiliation as proof of guilt, concluding that his suffering was divine punishment.
Indeed, it could be interpreted that way because of God’s judgment following David’s sinful relations with Bathsheba and the death of her husband. But was David’s suffering truly a sign of God’s rejection?
In reality, people tend to assume that when a leader, a Christian, or anyone is experiencing critical times, it signals that God has abandoned him or her, and that past sins are catching up, or that their future is ruined.
But as David’s story shows, such assumptions can be dangerously premature, because later events show that David was restored to the throne, and he even advised Solomon to deal with Shimei decisively as part of his final instructions.
In times of suffering, one must trust God even more and draw closer to Him. Quiet endurance is crucial, for opinions can’t always be swayed, no matter how much one explains. Sometimes, we ourselves may not fully understand the source of adversity.
The Word of God admonishes us: “Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of His servant, yet walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD and rely upon his God.” (Isaiah 50:10).
By implication, obedient believers can still experience darkness, but their response should be trust in God our Father, not despair.
David did not respond negatively to Shimei’s abusive and humiliating words. He even restrained his men from retaliation.
Dear reader, what others say about your situation is not necessarily God’s verdict. Suffering does not automatically mean divine rejection or condemnation.
Often, it is part of God’s process of elevation and preparation. There could be genuine sufferings from one’s sins, though, but God is still able to restore such a person.
Consider how some people intentionally bring others into trouble, then justify their actions as divine judgment.
Additionally, if your walk with God were perfectly smooth, you might never develop resilience or humility. Scripture reminds us in John 16:33 that, “In this world, you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.”
Acts 14:22 reaffirms it that, “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”
2 Timothy 3:12 continues that, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you.” (1 Peter 4:12)
Even when God’s discipline feels harsh, it is ultimately for our good. If a partner, father, or superior stops correcting you, it may signal that they have given up, but God’s discipline is a sign of His care.
“For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastens everyone He accepts as His son.” (Hebrews 12:6)
Discipline is not rejection, but a divine training to produce righteousness and holiness.
Moreover, consider John 9: 2–3, where the disciples asked Jesus about Bartimaeus, a man born blind: “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
Jesus answered, “Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.”
Jesus healed the man’s eyes because He knew the exact cause of his condition, something the crowd around him could not discern.
In Jesus’ time, people assumed suffering was always punishment from God. This mirrors the early misunderstanding of His own crucifixion.
Isaiah 53:3–5 describes Him: “He is despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Surely He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows… He was wounded for our transgressions… and with His stripes we are healed.”
Acts 2:23 confirms that His death was part of God’s deliberate plan: “This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.”
Yet Christ was not defeated. Acts 4:10 proclaims the hope we have in His name:
“It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.”
Philippians 2:9 – 11 is about God’s crown for Jesus after his sufferings and death.
“Therefore God has exalted Him to the highest place and given Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…”
Suffering does not define God’s servants. It can refine, elevate, and reveal the glory of God’s plan.
Understanding that suffering, weakness, or even missteps do not nullify one’s calling, we are called to uphold, pray for, and gently guide them back, recognising that divine purposes often unfold through human struggle.
Encouragement, wise counsel, and patient mentorship can help restore fallen ones. Hasty condemnation only deepens their isolation or crises, and we risk misrepresenting God’s work through them.
Conclusion:
When God’s servants and secular members of the broader society are suffering or in crises, the public often writes them off too early. Many conclude that the end has come and quietly distance themselves. Sadly, even fellow believers sometimes treat the moment as confirmation of their suspicions rather than an opportunity for compassion.
Instead of lifting the suffering servant in prayer and offering material and moral support, they withdraw and watch from afar. Yet scripture warns us not to judge too quickly.
The servant who fears the Lord yet walks in darkness is urged to remember his maker and trust in His name.
