An interesting story takes place in the life of David. As if he did not have enough on his plate running from his son Absalom who was out to kill him, David encounters a descendent of Saul who still held a grudge against him. The man’s name was Shimei and you can read the story in 2 Samuel 16:5-14.

Shimei stalked David and his men throughout the countryside, cursing him, ridiculing him for his rebellious son, throwing rocks and dirt at him, and calling him everything but a nice man. One of David’s loyal followers asked for permission to remove the talking head . . . literally. However, with keen spiritual insight, David recognized the possibility that God was using Shimei for a greater purpose in his life.

Imagine that . . . God is using those who oppose us for His glory and for our good. Only God can pull that off. All of us have difficult people in our lives, but even though they do not mean to, these “sandpaper people” actually help us in several ways.

First, they send us to our knees in prayer. That is ALWAYS a good thing. I saw a sign one time that read, “When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot in it, hold on tight, and pray.” Those who seek to harm us do us a tremendous favor by forcing us to rely on the resources of a loving, vindicating, and all-powerful God.

Second, they expose character flaws in us and give us the opportunity to allow God to grow us in those areas. Someone once told me, “In every criticism there is a nugget of truth.” We can use opposition positively when we find that nugget of truth and turn it over to God asking Him to help us grow through it.

Third, they challenge us to excel. Critics often incite us to prove them wrong. I am more aware of my weaknesses and strengths in times of challenge, and I am more careful to do the very best I can do so as not to give them even more fodder for criticism.

I have learned to thank God for those who oppose me because unwittingly they do NOT ultimately harm me, but instead help me. I wish they knew that – it would give me some satisfaction.

Oh, and one other thing… the David and Shimei story has a happy conclusion (see 2 Samuel 19:14-23). Shimei hurried to David and asked forgiveness. Responding positively to our  critics may eventually turn them into our supporters.