Here is the underlying issue with all the hate, slander, and killing in our world . . . It's revenge and taking matters into our own hands so we feel we are in control of our lives and the mentality of "no one will get the best of me" or "I'll show them".
But what's underneath that mindset is the lack of letting go and letting God work and fight for you. He has already won the battle and will take care of your enemy in His own timeframe. And that's what people apart from God and without faith can not handle . . . waiting for their enemy to get what's coming to them.
God tells us in Romans 12:9 "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord'"
When you step in and take matters in to your own hands, you get in the way of God working for you and the blessing He has waiting on the other side of the struggle. Yes they slandered your name, they caused you financial hardships, and took you down a path you never intended to go.
Your path is now harder because of the enemy, but it will get a lot easier when you step back, pray, and let God open and close doors for the next part of the journey. The journey might last months or it might last years, but God will bring you through it stronger and better with many blessings waiting. Your job is to figure out how to forgive the person that did you wrong and pick up the pieces the best you can and grow even closer to God. God is taking care of the enemy in His way and will work in that person's life appropriately.
So while you pray for yourself to come out of the struggle, pray for your enemy to be changed and grow closer to God also. Why did your enemy feel they needed to do that to you? What are their struggles and they obviously need to know God will fight for them and they do not need to slander you to make their life better.
When we see killings on the news or people slandering others, it's a heart thing and it's a control thing. It's a God thing!
When people accept Jesus and live for God, they are called to give up revenge. Which means give up control and give it to God. It won't be easy and it won't be painless and it usually will not be immediate, but it will be worth it!!!
Why is it so important we overcome our desires to revenge and our boiling bitterness? It's where anger is born and where the verbal and physical hate crimes originate. Yes, you want justice and you want it now. But this is for instant pleasure and for short lived happiness. To get long lasting eternal joy, pride and the desire to control your happenings has to be released. You will continually be on a roller coaster of emotions that one day may cost you everything. Learn how to love your enemy and trust God!
Y'all . . . Daniel and I have been there and done that . . . Slander and accusations many many years ago that were false and proven false but still impacted our life. It was against Daniel and I wanted to go head first and ruin some people (yep I was angry then) and Daniel taught me how to back up and let God have control. Daniel went for faith based advice on what to do about the lies and they taught him about spiritual warfare. The enemy is real and waiting to kill and steal your joy and life.
It was hard and I had to dig deep and learn a lot about God and His ways. Revenge could have done some damage to the people that did Daniel wrong and made our situation right and our lives would be completely different right now.
But you know what? What I thought I wanted is exactly opposite of what we are living and we have joy in all circumstances now! I changed my heart towards the enemy and my mindset. I grew to be trusting of the blessing that comes out of the storms. I learned to open my mind and heart for the lessons God could teach me during the tough times.
An incredible blessing came to our family today that wraps up what storm and spiritual warfare began 12 years ago!!! It was a heavenly hug that reminded us that God provides exactly what you need at the exact moment.
Give your desires and your struggles to God and step back and let Him work!!!! It is sooooo worth it!
• Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
• If you do not forgive others . . . neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:15
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