In the Book of 1 Kings, we read that King Ahab wanted a vineyard owned by a man named Naboth. Naboth refused to sell it to him because it was a plot of land that had been in the family for generations. King Ahab sulked about this and so his wife, the infamous Jezebel, mocked him and then made a plan for getting the land for him—but it was a plan that God didn't like. There’s a lesson in this story for you and for me, so let's listen to it:

Jezebel commanded: “Call the citizens together for a time of fasting, and give Naboth a place of honor. And then seat two scoundrels across from him who will accuse him of cursing God and the king. Then take him out and stone him to death.” So the elders and other town leaders followed the instructions Jezebel had written in the letters. They called for a fast and put Naboth at a prominent place before the people. Then the two scoundrels came and sat down across from him. And they accused Naboth before all the people, saying, “He cursed God and the king.” So he was dragged outside the town and stoned to death. (1 Kings 21:9-13)

Wow. How about that? Jezebel hired a couple of "worthless men" and because of those accusations, Naboth was put to death. Jezebel then told Ahab he could now have the vineyard he wanted. But God didn't like her plan and He did something about it. Later in the chapter we read about God's promise to Ahab: "I will bring disaster on you and consume you. I will destroy every one of your male descendants, slave and free alike, anywhere in Israel…for you have made me very angry and have led Israel into sin. And regarding Jezebel, ‘Dogs will eat Jezebel’s body at the plot of land in Jezreel."  Yipes! People may falsely accuse you. People may plot against you, even when you've done nothing to them. Especially if you’re going to do what God has called you to do, the devil will try to stop you. Sometimes he'll send liars to talk about you. He may even lie to you himself, telling you that the work is worthless or ill-conceived.

I'm talking to someone today. You find yourself in a situation in which detractors are seeking to undermine you. If you are following God's call, don't lose focus and don't try to retaliate. You plus God are a majority. If God has called you to do it, He will vindicate the work...and that is very Good News!