DAY 9

When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. - Proverbs 16:6-7.

But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. - Luke 6:27-28.

What do you do when you have an enemy? Keep on living for the Lord, pray for your enemy, and do good things to your enemy (Luke 6:29-36). I have had few enemies in my life, however, I know when I have retaliated it simply escalated the problem to a new level of hostility. But when I have refused to respond to evil with evil but instead responded with good my enemies have been neutralized. God has a way of redirecting the attention of our enemies. Some people just enjoy causing trouble and problems for others. It makes them feel powerful and in control. When we fail to react as they had hoped over time they grow tired of their game and look for others to trouble.

Praying for your enemy is a powerful weapon. It was through prayer that Jacob knew it was time to return to the land of his fathers (Genesis 31:1-13). As a result of obedience to God’s direction Laban was neutralized. Laban it seems had a dream warning him not to harm Jacob (Genesis 31:24). We know Jacob had left his homeland because Esau his brother was planning to kill him. However, after Jacob had wrestled with the Lord all night (Genesis 32:24-32) Esau was neutralized (Genesis 33).

God says, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (Romans 12:19).” We should let God take care of it. Pray for our enemies and do good to them. God may appear to them in a dream telling them to leave us alone. Or, God may give them a change of heart toward us. Or, God may give them some other things to occupy their attention. When your enemy comes to destroy send God to the door. Your enemy will be surprised and God will overcome him.