2 Samuel 8:9,10
“When King Toi of Hamath heard that David had defeated the entire army of Hadadezer, he sent his son Joramf to greet King David and bless him for fighting and defeating Hadadezer, who had been at war with Toi. Joram brought with him articles of silver and gold and bronze.”
David is the living example of Proverbs 16:7, "When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." God was pleased with David. He did what He asked, He inquired of God and He honored God. The Lord blessed Him with success.
Not everything in David's life went smoothly. He had over a decade of running for his life from king Saul. He had hundreds of warriors that accompanied him. This protected him, but also made him easy to locate. Later in David's life, he would have trouble with his children. However, God is blessing his military efforts.
God wants to bless us. This same passage applies. "When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." I've sensed those in my life that don't like me. I've also sensed people attempting to make me look bad. God somehow fixed those issues. Most of the time I didn't witness the resolution. It was suddenly gone. I did witness it one time. It was glorious. Much like the Jews seeing God defeating Pharaoh, I got to see one with ill intentions get thwarted in a big way. Praise God.
We have a part in this. Romans 12:18 says, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." We are to love all in our path. Some of these may be those wishing us ill. We are to not repay evil for evil. But to love. We aren't to engage in the negativity played against us. Doing this is like isolating and ember. It just goes out. It takes some effort. Some do mean things that can infuriate us. Acting in this can stoke the fire of hatred within. Ask God for help to love and not to act.
These are times of growth. God is glorified when we love and put down vengeance. He fills us with His grace. In a sense, it's a miracle. We are acting against our flesh and the strong momentum to act out. A changed heart is an example of God's power.
When we don't act out, we disarm those against us. They may still try to oppose us, but we are removing the negative energy. It does create peace.
What do we do when things don't go our way. We are to still honor God. These time will come. David was on the run from Saul for a long time. We will have those seasons. We are still to trust. When crowds were leaving because Jesus said some difficult things, He posed the question to the disciples, "Will you also leave?" Peter replied in John 6:68, 'Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life."' We also have no good place to go. God is faithful and can be trusted. We are to praise Him in the storm.
He will use these troublesome times for our advantage. Romans 8:28 says,
Thank You Lord for blessing our lives. You give us success. Even in the dark times You are at work. Thank You