We wait so long for spring; it finally arrives and before we can embrace it, summer is testing its wings. Children will be tossing aside books and spending carefree hours at the closest pool, lake or beach. June will once again prove to be a favorite month for brides. Committed couples will be exchanging vows with looks of love. Rice is sure to fall into bridesmaids’ coiffures, as tears fill mother’s eyes.
Did it begin on a cold winter night with an awkward proposal? Let’s get hitched! The words may not be queens English, but the thought is accurate. God, in His sovereignty yokes, joins them together as husband and wife. They officially tie the knot! Will it hold?
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14 KJV)
Stars get in our eyes and not only cloud our vision, but also judgment. Paul by inspiration of the Holy Spirit urged Christians to have our strongest bonds within the body of Christ. The hitching post is the cross of Calvary. —PamFord Davis
Abishai said to David, "Today God has given your enemy into your hands. Now let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of my spear; I won't strike him twice." But David said to Abishai, "Don't destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the LORD's anointed and be guiltless? As surely as the LORD lives," he said, "the LORD himself will strike him; either his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish." (1 Samuel 26:8-10 NIV)
How would you treat your perceived enemy if you have the opportunity of dealing with him? Would you treat him as he has been treating you? Alternatively, would you let him go scot-free and allow God to deal with him in God's own way and time?
King Saul was a sworn enemy of David. He spent most of his time looking for a way to kill David. However, twice, David had opportunities of killing Saul, but he did not do so (see 1 Samuel 24, 26). David's followers could not understand why he would not take the golden opportunities to exterminate his arch enemy and become the king of Israel. David preferred to let God deal with Saul rather than avenging for himself. God did deal with Saul in His own time and His own way, and David eventually became the king of Israel in place of Saul.
Many people would not do such a thing – to let a perceived enemy continue to have his way, especially when they have the opportunity of getting even with such enemy. It is natural to get rid of one's perceived enemy, but, it is contrary to the New Testament teachings. Consider this: "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord. On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:17-21 NIV). See also Matthew 5:44; Luke 27-28; 23:34; Romans 12:14; 1 Corinthians 4:12-13; 1 Peter 3:9. It takes spiritual maturity to follow such teachings and really allow God to deal with one's perceived enemies in God's way and God's time.
Do not have it in mind to get even with your perceived enemy. Let God deal with him. God will do so in His own way and in His own time. He will indeed vindicate you. Like David, you will laugh last and testify to the goodness of God over your life. —Bayo Afolaranmi
When we are use to someone being in our lives, it's hard to let them go even when we know they may be suffering for the sake of remaining.
Back in February, my father was nearing his last days of being with us. I wanted to find a way for my dad to stay. Even to the point of asking the doctor what could be done to prolong his life. But one day I had a very difficult conversation with my brother. He let me know it was time for us to let dad go. He helped me understand that it was not fair for us to continue to hold on, for the sake of us being able to say that dad was yet here. What really helped me come to grips with letting go during our conversation is when my brother said: "Keitha, dad is not living, he is merely existing and that's no way to live." Instantly, I felt peace.
Thoughts rushed to the surface of my mind and I began to think of who these words were coming from. Those simple words of truth were coming from the sibling who was closest to our father. His strength made me desire to have more strength in this dark time of our lives. I began to prepare myself mentally and this scripture came alive in me: "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness" 2 Corinthians 12:9a. I then realized even though my father taught us to be strong, my supreme Father was the strength I needed even when I felt weak.
In my mind I let him go as far as being on this earth with us. But in those last days before he left us, I studied my father. I chose to remember everything I could about how he looked from his feet to his fingers. Even from the twist in his mouth to the engraved scar on his upper cheek. That point of letting go put me in a place of peace knowing he was no longer suffering.
Death is not easy but it was a learning experience on how to properly let go and move forward. Even through the experience of pain, I choose to make this year everything God has promised me it can and will be. So let go and let's go make this year the beginning of the best years ahead! —LaKeitha Givens
Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:18-19 NAS)
No, that's not for you. Let it go. I know, you think it's was what you need. Let it go I have something better for you if you will let it go. Oh I know it may feel right, and things may seem to fall into place, Things aren't always what they seem, what you are feeling is not from Me. You're walking after the flesh and not in the Spirit. Let it go.
It will hurt you if you don't let it go. I understand you have needs, I understand what you are feeling, I don't want this to hurt you, and it will, if you don't let it go. Don't allow it to destroy all that you have suffered for, let it go.
I want you to release the pain of the past and move ahead with Me. You can't bring the past with you, you can't hold onto it while walking with Me. It has no place with Me, I am your future Forgive, you must forgive. Forgive all that have hurt you, You must turn lose that which is not of Me. Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old You can't move forward with Me while holding onto your past That which is not of Me will lead to death, Let it go. Didn't I promise I would do a new thing in you? It will come forth, I will make a way in the wilderness for you, if you let it go.
Don't look at what they are doing, don't look at what they have. They are not with Me, you are. Is it worth your walk with Me? Is it worth the joy that I have given you? Is it worth your salvation, which I died for? It won't open the doors of Heaven, it will only hold you in bondage, Let it go.
I am all that you need. Haven't I always been right on time? Haven't I always made a way out of no way? Why do you doubt Me now? Stop listening to what they are saying. Why do you care what they say? I am greater than any circumstance you will ever face. Now, give it to Me, you can't handle it, it's too much for you to bear. Let it go, take your hands off of it, and give it to Me. Don't look back, take My hand, and walk with Me. My child, let it go. —Shearon Hurst-Roach
Is it hard to ignore a wrong done against you? Do you feel you have been treated unfairly? Are you tempted to retaliate? Let it go.
We all get our feelings hurt; but harboring that pain only leads to more. We cannot undo what was done; but we can choose to use it to build character and strength within. Yes, it hurts; but let it go.
Do you feel you are about to explode, ready to blow your top? Would that make things better? No, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, that would only harm you. Let it go.
The book of Proverbs is more beneficial than anger management. If tried and tested the counsel of Proverbs helps you to overcome frustration and anger. "A man's discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression" (Proverbs 19:11 NAS).
Let Him take control; reject anger, let it go. —PamFord Davis
