Joy Gems

When Enemies Become Helpers

Ezra 6:22 "For seven days they celebrated with joy the Feast of Unleavened Bread, because the LORD had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria, so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel."

Now, wouldn't that give me joy too! Oh, let it be! That God would change the attitude of my enemies who have been hindering me so that they end up helping me in the work the Lord has given me to do.

Wouldn't you like that as well?

Just think about the people who most give you grief and torment, and then imagine that God would transform their attitudes so that they start helping you instead of hindering you. That might be hard to understand at first, but once you see that they are sincere, I can only imagine you would get delirious with joy.

I don't think I've ever partied for seven days to celebrate something, but a turn-around like that deserves a huge celebration.

Nor is it that we would necessarily honour that former enemy, now helper at our celebrations, is it? No, the true glory should go to God who brought it about. Only He could do that.

I wonder what attitude or role God expects us to take in preparation for such a transformation. It seems this would be a great place for us to first of all pray for our enemies and those who despitefully use us, just as Jesus said in the New Testament.(Matt. 5:44, 7:12)

PRAYER: Yes, Lord, You usually have something we can do to sweep a path clear for the good things You want to do for us. I need to think over who my enemies are, and how to bless them, and then to also pray for them. Then I shall leave it up to You to transform them into people who will help me do Your will, and - perhaps even become my friends. What a joy that would be!

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