APPRECIATE GOD FOR YOUR ENEMIES
TEXTS:
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans chapter 8 verse 28, King James Version)
"But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive." (Genesis chapter 50 verse 20, King James Version).
As a child of God, it's good you know that your life in Christ attracts the enmity of the world and haters of God. (see 2nd Timothy chapter 3 verse 12) If they hated Jesus without cause (John chapter 15 verse 25), know for sure that you will be hated because you've chosen the path of righteousness and truth. (See John chapter 15 verse 18; chapter 17 verse 14 and 1st John chapter 3 verse 13)
Almost everyone hates to have an enemy! We have been brought up to think that enemies are bad and are a hindrance to one's progress in life. Yet, this notion ignores the fact that as God's children, we are under the watchful Eye of the Almighty to save and to deliver us from the evil (2nd Chronicles chapter 16 verse 9)
Sometimes God raises or allows an enemy beside you to bring out the best in you. For instance, without King Saul as David's enemy, we would never have had the beautiful Psalms written by David, which forms part of the much cherished holy Scriptures. The taunts of Peninnah served to propel a holy anguish in Hannah which resulted in the birth of Samuel.
"And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb" (see 1st Samuel chapter 1 verse 6)
I dare to say that when you have a future, you need an enemy. Although, it's pretty unimaginable and painful to realize that your close relation or acquaintance is that enemy (see Psalms 41 stanza 9, Psalms 55 stanzas 12 to 14 and Psalms 109 stanzas 6 to 15)
David, without Goliath in his life would have remained a mere shepherd boy. Without the brothers of Joseph constituting themselves as the lad's enemies, he would never have reached Egypt, the place he was destined by God to reign! Again, it took the constant and unbearable harassments of the Midianites on Israel to bring out the "mighty man of valor" in Gideon! (see Judges chapter 6 verses 11 to 17)
Let's learn to believe that all things work together for the good of them that love God and to them that are the called of God according to His purpose (Romans chapter 8 verse 28). This includes the very enemy whom satan has positioned beside you. Believe me, child of God, he's there to serve your eventual good! Isn't it true that many have fared better under the watchful eyes of an enemy than when left to run their affairs without check?
Actually, it depends on how you handle the situation. First, you have to understand that you are under the everlasting care and the watchful Eye of the Almighty God. Further, you must believe that as God's child, all things have been programmed by Him for your eventual good. If we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth (see 2nd Corinthians chapter 13 verse 8); and that no weapon formed against us shall prosper (see Isaiah chapter 54 verse 17), it follows that whatever your enemy does against you will not only be futile but will turn out a blessing to you in the end.
Rather than crying because there is an enemy, let's appreciate God for them because we know that they are there for our good! If my enemies had known that their hatred for me is by God's unfailing design working together for my good, they would have stopped hating me forthwith. But because they hate me and can't find no place in their heart to love me, they can't stop hating me; and since they can't stop hating me, they have become unwilling and unsuspecting instruments in God's Hand for my promotion, growth and well-being. Wow! This is amazing! Glory to God!
PRAYER
Dearest Heavenly Father, I thank you for your care and love for me. Despite the fact that there are enemies all around me, It's soothing to realize that if you are for me, none can be against me. What's more Father, you have programmed all things to work together for my good. I praise you dearly Lord, in Jesus mighty name.