Every second of every day, evil is at work. Not a minute passes by that evil is not attempting
to trip us up or get us tangled in the mess that feelings can bring. When we are hurting, human nature screams for
revenge. We want payback. We want to see someone get what is coming to
them. Those feelings can drive us to do
evil things. That is where truth steps
in and we let go of feelings.
Romans 12:21 says that we are “not to be overcome by
evil but to overcome evil with good.”
Not particularly the thing in which we want to do when we are
hurting. It is much easier to lash
out. It feels good to get those feelings
out. In that moment anyway. Later when conviction sets in, we realize
what we have said or done to hurt another.
Suddenly we are feeling worse. Suddenly our troubles have grown. We have created quite the mess.
There is a reason why we are told to overcome evil
with good. There is a reason why we are
told in Ephesians to be kind to each other, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (4:32) When we walk a life professing to follow
Christ, we are to promote peace, kindness, love and forgiveness. When someone has wronged us, we are truly to turn
the other cheek. We are to follow the
example Christ set for us. If we want forgiveness
from God then we must offer forgiveness to others. Personally, it frustrates
me. It is hard when my family is
constantly being hurt. Personally, I am tired of being bullied. I am tired of people who use their power to
abuse others. However, I follow an awesome
God. He sent His Son to give up His life
for me and so I choose to be a reflection of Christ. I choose to forgive. Because of these choices, I am reaping the
benefits of following Him in obedience.
So let’s not get
tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of
blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we
should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
Galatians 6:9-10
By choosing to do
good, God blesses. I have never known
that to be truer than I do right now.
Not too long ago, yet again, evil tried to harm my family. In someone’s attempt to cause dissension and
hurt through manipulation and drama, I witnessed God do something great. What someone meant for bad, God turned it
around and used it for good. My family
became closer. My children grew closer
to their step-dad. An event transpired
that brought truth to light for us all and a great revelation occurred.
Over a year ago, I received
an email from a woman who reminded me that true character reveals itself in
time. For a year, I have patiently
waited for my children to discover truth.
It is happening. It is truly a remarkable thing when you can experience
God working. To clearly see good overcome
something that was meant to hurt and destroy is exciting.
Sometimes we cannot
stop the evil. Sometimes the story, the
good and bad parts have to play out. No
matter how ugly it can get I am learning that it is best to sit back and give
God the control. Allowing the story to
unfold the way in which He has it written allows the good to radiate through
leaving you to recognize that it is clearly Him doing the great and good work
in your life. I am so thankful for the
good and the bad. It is hard to sit back
and be hurt but letting go of the feelings and focusing on what I know to be
true allows God the room He needs to do great things in my story.
Today as I write this out and think through the events that have transpired, I am so incredibly
thankful for my husband. He sets an example for my children. My husband is not perfect and he has made bad
choices in his life. However, I know the
kind of man that he is…he does not blame others for his mistakes. He takes ownership and seeks
forgiveness. He stays silent when others
would try to cause him harm. He trusts
God to handle the issues and turns the other cheek. He does not speak ill of others. Especially in front of my children. He is amazing that way and my children recognize
that in him. It is evident what a person
who walks with Christ should look like and they are able to compare others
accordingly in order to seek out truth.
What someone did in order to cause harm in my family, God turned it
around and used it as a time to draw my family closer to together. God is faithful in ALL things. He is definitely my Protector. He promises to protect His children and when
we allow Him that position, He is faithful to fulfill His promises. I am learning that you do not mess with His
kids!
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