2 Kings 6:23
“So he provided a large feast for them; and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. And the marauding bands of Arameans did not come again into the land of Israel.”
These were Israel’s (and Elisha’s) enemies who sought to enslave them and take their land. This is what God does to our enemies. He takes the fight out of them.
We all have those that dislike us. Sometimes it’s because of Christ. Some have bad aims. We aren’t to deal with them as Hollywood does or as the world describes.
Here’s what Jesus tells us to do with them. “Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two”, (Matthew 5:41). He tells us not to show opposition. In our minds we are going in bad directions. We think, “They have no right to do this?” Our imaginations think of comebacks. That’s not God’s way. Here’s what Isaiah predicts about Jesus, “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth”, (53:7).
Some may call this cowardly or foolish. However, Proverbs warns us about engaging with a fool. “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him”, (26:4). We could unleash a war.
God is trying to reach them. This may be the way. As we behave in a godly manner, it may convict them (Romans 12:20).
It’s freeing to not engage. When we engage, it unleashes all sorts of anxiety, which could be lead to horrible consequences. To go God’s way, leaves it to Him. He’ll work in His miraculous way.
Following God’s ways He blesses us with guidance. Proverbs 3:5,6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all Your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” He created us and knows us best. He will lead and bless. He makes a masterpiece of our lives.
He honors us as well. Psalm 23 says, “You prepares a table for me in the presence of my enemies.” We sense the respect He gives. It’s far better than what we could have achieved.
Lord, thank You for Your ways. You keep us out of so much trouble and embarrassment. In addition, You save souls. You bless us lives and You give us honor. Thank You.