A Letter to My Enemy

I sat down at my desk this morning and, as I do, I prayed that God would open His word to speak to my soul what it needed to hear. I was ready for the chastisement, because there’s always something in my life that could use attention, but I prayed too for the comfort of his words because my heart was in a very raw place. I needed the balm that comes from Heaven. And then I thought of you. A person that I considered the enemy of my soul. Who desired evil for me and quite frankly was willing to be the vessel that provided it. For a split second I thought about praying that God would bring the coals of Heaven down upon your head… but reconsidered. Knowing that there are times I deserve coals too. But I did pray for you.

Because as I read Psalm 94, comfort and joy flooded my soul. Yesterday I struggled understanding how such evil thoughts could come against me. And God helped me understand that it’s not against me you’re fighting – it’s Him. Because He stands before me, guiding me and providing me the strength I need for each day. While I care for my Mother, who is suffering with Dementia, I see the confusion in her face and it breaks my heart to pieces. She was the rock in this family that kept everyone grounded in the truth. Whether we liked it or not, she spoke it. Just to us. Those for which she was responsible for. And a few strays that came in for which she treated as her own. I often wonder what she would think of Ridgeview News? She has been in various phases of dementia since Ridgeview began. So I’ll have to wait for Heaven for that answer. But now back to my letter to you.

I prayed for you this morning. I prayed that God would allow you to experience the joy that I felt when I read Psalm 94. I prayed that God would take care of you. Not in the sense of vengeance, though Psalm 94 said He could. I prayed that you would know what it was like to feel the love of the Father. My Dad has gone on to be with Jesus… he was one of the most loving men anyone ever knew. Oh, how he loved Jesus! He’s not here to offer me words of wisdom. My Mother’s state of mind won’t allow her to offer up words of wisdom either. But my Heavenly Father… He is Alive and Well!!!! He is all powerful and could rid me of the enemy with a wink of His eye. But that’s not what I want, nor Him. I want you to know the sweet fellowship of Jesus Christ.

Your enemy is not me. Your enemy is the that of every other soul in the world, Satan. He loves it when you attempt discouragement on God’s people. You’re doing his job for him and hurting yourself while you’re at it. There is no way you can want harm to come to people and have peace in your life. You may experience momentary joy, but not peace. And is that not what we all truly desire? It sure is for me.

There is no joy in printing bad news. None. But there is peace in knowing that I can warn my community of potential harm. Or encourage them in some way by printing a story of a local hero.

Everyone on this earth makes mistakes. Scripture tells us there is “none righteous, no not one.” And in Psalm 94 the word says that God chastenest (chastises) those who do wrong in order to teach us to do what is right. Lord have mercy I know it’s true. But that’s verse is followed by “That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.”

That pit was never meant for humanity. It was meant for the fallen angels. But it’s there for anyone who does not accept Jesus Christ as Lord. There is a vast difference in knowing Jesus, as many in the world say they do, and having Jesus live within your heart as the Holy Spirit. James 2:19 reads “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doesn’t well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”

I don’t know if you’ve ever had an encounter with Jesus. But this morning I am praying that He grants you peace and comfort in your life, and that you experience the fullness of his love. Because it’s awesome!