Today's scripture: Psalm 17:13-14
On Wednesday, we looked at how God
helps us deal with the enemy of our souls, but some of us also deal with the
"wicked" here on earth. Wicked humans, I mean.
Some of us have been—or are being—abused. Some of us have been betrayed. Some
of us have been on the wrong end of a business deal gone wrong.
As often happens, many of us will never see the one (or ones) who hurt us
punished on earth. In fact, it seems—more often than not—that the bad guys are
always winning. Otherwise, why would there be that old saying, "Nice guys
finish last"? The assumption is that bad guys finish first.
It just doesn't seem fair.
So, what do we do when the bad guys win? When they finish first?
We have to give it over to God. That might be the easy part. We also have to
forgive. This is not the easy part,
but it's oh-so necessary.
I experienced sexual abuse at the hands of multiple perpetrators, and for a
very long time, I let the hate and anger I felt toward them nearly destroy my
faith. When I finally found my way back to the Lord, one thing I really
struggled with was His telling me that I needed to forgive those who hurt me.
To be honest, I really didn't want to. After all, they never asked for my
forgiveness. They certainly didn't deserve it.
Then I was reminded of how Jesus had forgiven me when I didn't deserve it. So,
with the help of the Lord, I forgave ... and it was the most freeing
experience. I wasn't bogged down by hate or anger any longer.
I don't know if any of my abusers has suffered human judgment for their acts,
but I do know that God "as delivered my life from the wicked." They
no longer have any control at all over my life.
If you're struggling with an earthly enemy, I encourage you to give it over to
God. Let Him judge. Let Him take care of the situation.
Live in the freedom of a forgiven—and forgiving—heart.
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