Shame to Fame – Dr. Paul Dhinakaran

I will appoint them for praise and fame in every land where they were put to shame. (Zephaniah 3:19)
Has some long wait made your soul weary?  God is mindful of all the shame that you have faced over your waiting period.  He has heard the enemies’ scornful talks and their contemptuous looks. Neither give up your hope nor be discouraged. God will exalt you high above others.  He will prepare a table before your enemies (Psalm 23:5).  Double honor awaits you.  Here is a promise from the Almighty God for you from the Bible: “Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance.  And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours” (Isaiah 61:7).

The Lord appeared to my father and commanded him to build the Karunya University. That time we only had a two-bedroom house. That too it was under mortgage. There was also one old car. But as soon as the Lord said ‘Build the university’ he went from bank to bank asking for loan. There was nothing to show as security for the loan. He pleaded, “Jesus has asked to build the university, please give me a loan”. The bank officers and education officers laughed at him saying, “What qualification does he have to start a university?” But my father wandered. At the same time, my sister Angel died unjustly. Even then he wandered. My grandfather Mr. Duraisamy said, “The Lord has shown you the place. But, we don’t know where it is. Even though we don’t have the money the Lord will open a way since He has said this. I will go around and search for a place” and wandered to Ooty, Kodaikaanal and everywhere. At last we went to a place near Coimbatore, Siruvani which is surrounded by mountains. My father said, “This is the place”. One bank gave us the first loan by pity on seeing our wandering. My grandfather walked on the uneven thorny ground for so many months wearing slippers, to purchase the land in that thorny valley. Nobody came forward to sell the land there. The people chased away saying, “Where did you come?” “Who are you?” But today, in the same place now the Lord has given 750 acres of land to establish the Karunya University, schools and hospital. Thousands of children and through them the parents, diseased, aged, mentally challenged and physically challenged are being blessed.

Beloved, for all the belittling you suffered from people around you, God says, “I will appoint them for praise and fame in every land where they were put to shame” (Zephaniah 3:19).  You will not remain in the cocoon of dishonor anymore. Manipulations, slanders, threatening and scoffing will be no more heard in your territory.  “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today, you will never see again (Exodus 14:13).  Your shame will turn into praise. You will become an icon of greatness and blessing to the nations.  Take refuge in the name of God. Park your hope on the righteousness of Christ and not on your own.  He is by your side. Do not give up.

Prayer:
Dear Lord,

It is by Your grace I have sustained this far. Thank You for carrying me as a father carries his child. Thank You for comforting  me as a mother. My Hope is in You.  Do not put me to shame.  Lord, rise up to lift my horns high for Your name sake.  Bring honor to me among all those who belittled me.  Let them see Your greatness in my life. 

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.