The Lord is for me; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?  The Lord is my helper, Therefore, I will look in triumph on those who hate me.  It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in nobles.  All the nations surrounded me; in the name of Yahweh I destroyed them.   Psalm HCSB

We live in a fallen world.  You don’t have to take my word for it, you can look at the news or read the newspapers or online reports.  There are some scary things going on these days both near and far. Yesterday my husband and I were discussing some of the political happenings in our area that are nothing short of frightening.  But what keeps me from being afraid is that I trust in God.  If God is for me, what can man do to me?  The other thing that keeps me from being afraid is that I know that God will give me victory over my enemies.

Years ago, I remember taking a self defense course and the instructor was teaching us how to disarm someone with a knife.  I specifically remember the instructor telling us to accept that we will probably get cut in the process.  He told us to not fear the cut, but to simply focus on getting the knife away from our attacker.

When we focus on a specific goal it helps to keep our minds off of the potential dangers that we face in pursuing that goal.  Police and military personnel are trained to be victorious.  I never once had an instructor train me to be defeated.  Anyone who attempts to do that type of job without a mindset of winning the fight needs to find another career.

As Christians, we must also have our minds set on victory.  For us, it’s guaranteed.  We may get knocked down a time or two, but we are not defeated.  Romans 8:31, like today’s scripture passage, tells us that if God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:37 tells us that we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us.

I am writing this today, because I have been knocked down a few times in the last few weeks.  But I will not accept defeat.  I am a blood bought child of God.  I have no hatred for those that come against me.  I have love in my heart mixed with a bit of pity because I know hurting people hurt people.  So I must wonder what they have come through.  I know that every time I step out to do something God has called me to do that the devil will put someone in my path to distract me and try to defeat me.  But I know something else.  I know that my God is way more powerful than my enemy.  In south Louisiana we might compare it to a mosquito attacking an alligator.

So yes, you may upset me for a little while.  You may knock me down, but know this.  I am going to get up and dust myself off.  I am going to continue on the path that God has set for me.  I will not fear you, I will love you and I will pity you.  Because God protects His children and I am one of His children.  So I know that it will be bad for you if you don’t turn from your evil ways.  I will pray for you because once God unleashes His wrath, I may cringe at what you go through.  But I can’t save you.  Only a close relationship with God can save you.

Today if you are feeling persecution, know that God will walk you through this. Know that He will protect you.  But if you are persecuting a child of God, beware.  Stop what you are doing and turn to God.  If you are seeking some type of vengeance, know that vengeance belongs to God (Romans 12:19).  You tread on dangerous grounds when you try to take God’s job upon yourself.

Turn from evil and turn to God.  If you have done that and are now being persecuted, suit up and stand tall behind your Savior.  Know that the victory is yours.  Know that God is working things out for you good and His glory (Romans 8:28-30).  Trust in Him and do not be afraid.  Know that through Christ you will have victory!

Have a great day!