While enjoying a transatlantic ocean trip, actress Billie Burke noticed that a gentleman at the next table was suffering from a bad cold. “Are you uncomfortable?” she asked sympathetically. The man nodded. “I’ll tell you just what to do,” she offered. “Go back to your room and drink lots of orange juice. Take two aspirins. Cover yourself with all the blankets you can find. Sweat the cold out. I know just what I’m talking about. I’m Billie Burke from Hollywood.” The man smiled warmly and introduced himself in return. “Thanks,” he said. “I’m Dr. Mayo from the Mayo clinic.”
Embarrassment – it happens to the best of us and even the rest of us. And when it does happen, it can be very uncomfortable. So, what do you do when you are doing the best you can each day to live a good, Christian life, but you mess up, fall short, embarrass yourself, or just struggle? The editors of EEW Magazine offer the following to encourage you during these times:
- Focus on What’s Next – The way Jesus died was viewed as disgraceful, embarrassing, and as something that undermined His deity. But you know what Jesus did? He endured the embarrassment of crucifixion by fixing His gaze upon what was coming next. Being crucified was not the end. If Jesus had to focus on what was coming next for Him, so do you. Be assured that there will be glory after this.
- Count It as a Testimony – In 2 Timothy 1:8, Paul, who suffered greatly for the name of Christ, reminded his protégé Timothy not to be ashamed of his suffering – or their own. His testimony was intertwined with his trials, and so is yours. Going through hardship is a part of our Christian walk. It in no way undermines the gospel.
- Be Confident That God is Working Through You – Just as Paul realized through his own trouble and trauma that God’s power “works best in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9), God wants you to see this truth for yourself. He is working in and through you, using the very thing that embarrasses you. Though God didn’t necessarily do this to you, He will use His power to make it work for you.
- Know That You are Being Conformed into Christ’s Image – God is teaching and transforming you so that you will be conformed into the image of Christ. When you are like Jesus, you submit to the ego-bruising process, knowing it is not about you; it is about you becoming more like Jesus, and showcasing His glory.
God’s Best…Steven