Why the Nastiness?
Have you ever wondered why some people are just downright mean? They never seem to smile and always appear to be scowling. Every sentence that comes out of their mouth is negative. They are constantly stuck in a rut and for whatever reason, they decide to take it out on you.
People Who Have Mistreated You? The Nerve!
Then there are those who have wronged you. They have deeply hurt you. And they have done so in such a way that it feels as though your heart was ripped from your chest, causing real physical pain, resulting in depression, hopelessness and a sadness that swims deep in your stomach.
People Who Want to Take You Down!
Still, there are some people in this world who just want to see you fail. No matter what you do, or how nice you try to be, they will do whatever it takes to stop your success.
Ugh! Why, God?
Why are people like this? You stammer in frustration. You cry out to God, begging for him to help you. Please, make the enemy pay, or take them away and out of my life.
Start by Changing Yourself
But let’s be honest. Have you ever been on the other side of the fence? Have you ever acted as the aggressor? The provoker? The attacker? I’m willing to guess that you have. As much as we hate to admit it, I think we all have.
Having said that, as difficult as it may be, I encourage you to take the high road when faced with the enemy. Show mercy and grace just as someone once showed mercy and grace to you.
If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for so you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you. - Proverbs 25: 21-22
Let me reiterate that: The Lord will reward you.
And as you face your next battle, you will receive God’s anointing.
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from me,says the Lord. - Isaiah 54:17
God is in you. He is with you.
God’s strength will give you courage and boldness to overcome your enemies. He will provide protection during combat.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He guards all of his bones; not one of them is broken.– Psalm 34: 19
You will be victorious. You will feel the light of God’s glory upon your face.
Above all, remember that God is the one who fights the battles.
The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace. – Exodus 14:14
There is nothing in the world like having a profound sense of peace in the midst of a storm. Choose non-violence. Be calm. Rise above. Depend upon the Lord as you confront those who are against you.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. - Isaiah 43:2
Leave a comment: Anyone else out there confronting the enemy? Share your story. How are you rising above? Let us know how we can pray for you.
About Michelle: With the heart of a servant-leader, Michelle Wulfestieg has worked in the field of hospice for over ten years, where she assists terminally ill patients daily. As a two-time stroke survivor who was featured in our “I’m a Believer” campaign, she understands just how precious life is and believes that as long as you are here, you have a purpose. Look for her book, ALL WE HAVE IS TODAY: A Story of Discovering Purpose, coming out this summer!
You can learn more about Michelle by visiting the links below.
Website http://www.allwehaveistoday.com/
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