Surviving Extremely Hostile Situations
A hostile environment represents circumstances in which you sense persistent unusual open or subtle opposition … even mere appearance is continually despised. Sometimes for causes not always fully appreciated … and in other times for reasons which are not just known but justified. Hostility may be self-induced – perhaps arising from character flaws or misfit in groups arising from differences and clashes in culture and values. Hostility can and should be avoided as the Bible does say in Proverbs 16 [7] When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. … Hebrews 12 [14] Follow peace with all men , and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Still there are Bible lessons and divine wisdom illustrated in reactions of characters in extremely hostile situations. You may someday find yourself in these tough situations …in which you are puzzled at the scale of opposition. Also, often we do not see our flaws or at best underplay them … or we overreact to situations misreading them as unwelcoming….or we can simply work on our attitude .. to be more friendly. Whatever may be the scenario … many may need help someday to cope when conditions become very hateful either in the workplace or even in ministry.
TD Jakes gave his own thoughts and tips in his best-selling book “Ten Commandments of working in a hostile environment” …I listed them below:
Know that you are anointed for the position
Don’t expect to be appreciated
Embrace opportunities for change
Do the job well while remembering the vision
Don’t let the environment get inside you
Increase your capacity to work with difficult personalities
Where you are is not where you are going
Achieve optimal results with minimal confusion
Don’t get into cliques and groups
Always keep your song near you
The Bible has some examples…a few are summarised.
Joseph as a favoured pampered young visionary is initially presented as a tactless lad who talks too much and was quick to bring tales to his father on the adventures of his brothers. You could say this is a case of hostility that could have been avoided if adjustments to manners or attitude were made. Joseph narrowly escaped death in the hands of his own brothers. Still, he avoided cliques, not allowing himself to be bitter and remained faithful to God till his story eventually changed. You could say he kept His song
Genesis 37 [19] And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. [20] Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.
Isaac was a man who prospered in a famine and was consistently resisted till he finds his Rehoboth. In this case, envy and jealousy cause Isaac to simply move on to avoid further strife… reminding us that where we are now is not our final destination.
Genesis 26 [16] And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we. [17] And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.
David is being hunted down by Saul for years - finding himself exposed to different enemies… it seems an entire geography became hostile to his existence. To survive – David resorted to unusual methods to stay alive until God’s appointed time. David knew how to live without accolades and appreciation … he learnt of a source of joy – God, that sustained him through the strangest trials and harshest periods .. so can we..
I Samuel 21[12] And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath. [13] And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard.
Scripture teaches that periods of hostility are also means for the Potter’s training and preparations to forge the best vessels as David, Joseph and Isaac. Still, the devil finds these periods ideal for sowing deep discouragement and wrong thoughts and answers … focusing his baits to lure the battle-weary and inflicting emotional wounds and scars that only God must heal. Many do not come out like the Bible stars.
Td Jakes ends his book “Dear brothers and sisters, I charge you to go forth into your workplace, no matter how hostile it may be, bathed in His anointing, knowing that you are blessed and highly favoured! I wish you Godspeed on your journey and joy along the way!..”
… and if you feel hurt whether deserved or undeserved and you have damaged your testimony in not reacting the way this blog would have advised or you have not yet emerged glittering like Joseph, Isaac or David… still go to Jesus to uphold you.
Matthew 12 [20] A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering (dimly burning) wick He will not quench, till He brings justice and a just cause to victory. (Amp)
He must still bring you to His house of victory. God bless you and remain always strong in Him. Amen
