Overcome Evil with Good

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. – (Romans 12:21, NIV)

Don’t let evil defeat you, but defeat evil by doing good. – (Romans 12:21, ERV)

Never let evil get the best of you; instead, overpower evil with the good. – (Romans 12:21, VOICE)

 

As social media has been flooded with the atrocity of the killing of an innocent man, out for a run, who was senselessly chased down and murdered by two self-professed vigilantes, who had no authority to question his motives for being out on a run, much less gun him down in cold blood. What is even more evil in all of this, is that nothing seemed to be done to bring justice to Ahmaud Arbery’s murderers until there was public outcry, due to the clear evidence produced in a release of video footage of the barbarity. For many of us, we feel overcome with horror at the wickedness that has played out through such a heinous act against humanity. That being said, the good that is rising up to bring justice to Ahmaud’s case, is overpowering the evil that transpired. No, there is nothing that will ever bring Ahmaud back to life, nor is there any justice that seems valid when a life is so senselessly taken; however, the good is raising awareness and aiding in a change of mindset for ordinary things that so many have taken for granted, and Ahmaud’s murderers are finally being charged. As a fellow runner, my heart aches for the fear that already exists in those who worry about a similar encounter, and for anyone who chooses not to go at all, due to the evil that is present and waiting to pounce. Awareness, education, wisdom and support are ways to combat and overpower the evil with good. I don’t have the answers, but I will continue to listen to the voices of those who have encountered and live with a constant heightened awareness of evil, simply because of the color of their skin, so that I can do what I can to be better and contribute to good overcoming such wickedness. May we seek the Lord to direct our steps to bring about a safe, peaceful, loving existence among all people, just as He intended.

 

So senseless the death,

Of a man, so young;

Out to maintain health,

With joy, he would run.

Evil encounter,

Malicious intent;

A life no longer,

Such darkness present.

The saying, it goes,

“Your sins find you out;”

The truth bringing good,

Airing evil out.

May justice be brought,

Where evil once stood;

May all do better,

And seek to do good.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that good overcomes evil, even when the evil that takes place seems insanely overwhelming. Please be with the family of Ahmaud Arbery; though there is nothing that will ever make this senselessness right, let justice be served to those who murdered this young man. Thank You that Your intention is for there to be peace among Your people. Forgive us for the things we have said, done, or left unsaid or undone, that have prevented the good that You intended. Teach us to do and be better. Bring healing to our land, O God. Show us how to love one another, as sisters and brothers, in all things and at all times. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to be our strength so that we may ever overcome evil with good. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34

Bearing Burdens

Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. – (1 Peter 5:7, NLT)

Since God cares for you, let Him carry all your burdens and worries. – (1 Peter 5:7, VOICE)

 

The weight of worries wear us down, and keep us from being and doing all that God intends for us. Though there are things that have valid reason to cause concern, no good can come from our carrying the weight of worry. However, when we lay our burdens and concerns at the foot of the cross, Christ can carry them for us. His shoulders are far stronger than ours, and He holds the solution in His hands. Our charge is to trust Him and His care for us, and allow Him to bear the brunt of the weight. As we give the heaviness to Him, our hearts are better able to grasp the instruction and direction that He has for us, so that we might move toward resolution rather than fear or frustration. May we lay down our worries before the One who cares most, and trust Him to lead us in the direction that He is calling us to go.

 

Bring Him your worries,

And lay them all down;

Set them at the feet,

Where truth shall be found.

For the Lord alone,

Is able to bear;

The burdens we bring,

For each one, He cares.

Our hearts are each known,

By Christ, our great King;

Let’s trust in His love,

With burdens we bring.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can come to You and trust You with all of our worries and concerns and lay them at Your feet. Thank You that You care for us, and care about what concerns our hearts. Thank You that Your shoulders are far stronger than ours, and that You are equipped and prepared to carry whatever we bring before You; willingly and lovingly. Forgive us for thinking that we are meant to bear our burdens alone, or for working ourselves into a place of panic as we attempt to carry things we are not meant to hold. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would come to You right away, when we feel the weight of worry begin to creep in. Show us how to help bear burdens for those around us, as we love and support those in need. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give all of our worries and cares to You, as You love us and have far more capable hands to carry the load. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

I thank and praise You, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power. – Daniel 2:23

 

 

 

Home Among Us

I will make My home among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. -(Ezekiel 37:27, NLT)

Though this promise was given to Ezekiel for the people of Israel, it remains true and valid for those who follow Him today. When we invite Christ to be The Lord of our lives, He comes and dwells among us. We are His, bought at a price that not one of us could afford. May we embrace this amazing grace and go forth in love, as we have been loved.

 

Where dry bones once lay, 

New life has been breathed;

There’s purpose and hope, 

For all who believe. 

When we make the choice,

To serve God alone;

The Lord comes and dwells,

Makes our heart His home. 

He is our great God,

And we are called His;

No more a dry land,

We’ve a call to live. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we seek You, You make Your home among us.  Thank You that You are our God and we are Your people. Thank You that You breathe life where none could be found, and You call us each to more. Forgive us for getting comfortable in places that are dark and lacking life. Teach us to trust and rely on You to know how to be light and life, and to know when to walk away. Show us how to love as You so lavishly love each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we embrace Your presence among us. Amen.
May God Almighty grant you mercy. – Genesis 43:14

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.