God can accomplish His purposes even through your enemies.

Our last blog posting dealt with forgiveness. Some of the most difficult people to forgive are those closest to you. Whether it be yourself or loved ones who have hurt you horribly.
Today, let’s consider the scenario between Judas and Jesus. Which one was able to initiate any kind of an act of forgiveness?
In John MacArthur's daily devotional entitled Drawing Near, John points out on May 28th, that “God can use even a Judas to accomplish His purposes. Undoubtedly there are people in your life who wish you harm. Don’t be discouraged. They are as much a part of God’s plan for you as those who treat you kindly. You must reach out to them just as Jesus reached out to Judas. God knows what He’s doing. Trust Him, and rejoice as you see His purposes accomplished even through your enemies.”
Sometimes you are your own worst enemy. And sometimes you find if nearly impossible to forgive yourself for what you’ve done. Judas found himself in this spot and the only solution he could come up with was to take his own life. He didn’t have Jesus in his life…the One who could show him how to forgive himself and to have that inner conviction that would allow him to know that he was forgiven by the one he betrayed. Forgiveness will look and feel much different once you invite the Lord into your life. Have you invited Him in? Once you do, then you’ll begin to recognize why it is He wants you to live a life characterized and identified by love and forgiveness…He even set the greatest example for all of us to follow. He laid His life down for even Judas, but Judas took his own personal life. There’s a big difference when done God’s way.

• Matthew 27:3-5 (NIV) 3 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. 4 "I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood." What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility." 5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

Trust Him and rejoice as you see His purposes accomplished even through some of the sins you’ve committed in the past. See yourself through God’s eyes. Know you can be forgiven and used for His glory. Don’t take matters or your life into your own hands. Repent and Draw closer to Him each day. Remember, God consistently loves and forgives His creation regardless if they’ve asked for it or not. He even went as far as to die for His enemies…there’s no greater act of love than that right there.

• John 3:16 (NIV) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
• John 15:13 (NLT) There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
• Luke 23:34 (NIV) Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
• Matthew 5:43-48 (NIV) 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Pray and ask God how you can deal with the need to either love and forgive yourself for what you’ve done, or how you can reach out to, love, and forgive those who have wished and done harm to you recently or in the past. Control what you can control…repent for not dealing with this properly in the past. For not trusting Him. For not passing the test He’s purposefully placed before you. God has a purpose to accomplish…are you obediently allowing His plan to take its course? This isn’t an easy task, but completely doable in His presence.
Practicing His Presence,
Nate