Dear Heavenly Father,
John 3:16 tells us that You so loved the world that You gave your one and only begotten Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish, but they will have eternal life. John 1:12 tells us that everyone who believes in the name of Jesus Christ and all he accomplished for us become Your children, and Romans 8:14 tell us that everyone that is led by Your Holy Spirit are Your sons and daughters. There are no words to express the magnitude of what You’ve done for us through Jesus Christ. Because of him, we are Your sons and daughters. I don’t know what kind of woman I would be today if I didn’t belong to You.
Romans 8:17(NIV) says, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” As Your children, we share Your inheritance with Christ, and we are his ambassadors in the earth. This is such a privilege and honor. I’m so grateful to be set apart in holiness, and to be an heir of Your Kingdom. Being a follower of Jesus Christ is such a tremendous blessing, but as Romans 8:17 tells us, there is a degree of suffering that we must endure as well. Being a believer also comes with challenges. It means we must carry ourselves in a way that is pleasing to You and obedient to Your Word, even though we want to strike back.
I encountered racial discrimination the other day, and I wanted to respond to it in a harsh way. Had it been a few years ago, I would have brought myself equal to the indignant attitude of the person and let them have it, but I knew I couldn’t because of who I belong to. 1Peter 2:9(NIV) tells us, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” As Your children, we can never allow our emotions and anger to rule in a situation, because only Jesus Christ deserves a position of rulership and governance in our lives. So rather than lowering myself to the trick that satan was playing, I kindly removed myself from the situation with the dignity and grace of being Your chosen one.
It takes practice to remain vigilant to be the “bigger person” in situations. It’s definitely a challenge because in the moment you feel attacked. The fleshly instinct is to attack right back, but Your Word tells us to turn the other cheek because vengeance does not belong to us. Vengeance belongs to You, and You can take care of our enemies better than we ever could.
This is why renewing our minds is so important. Your Word is our foundation, and we must know Your Word so we can do as Ephesians 5:1 tells us, which is to be imitators of You. Please help us, Dear Father, to put on Your nature and to walk in the example of Jesus Christ. Help us to understand that doing so is not a sign of weakness, but the ultimate sign of strength. We must continuously put on Your Word and remember that we are sons and daughters of the King. Thank You, Heavenly Father, for Your wisdom, and knowledge. Thank You for the Word, Your Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. In the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
“Vengeance Belongs to God”, written by KLizzie, edited by Reverend Fran Mack, for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2021. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.