Overcoming Sabotage
According to Merriam-Webster.com, one of the definitions of sabotage is an act or process tending to hamper or hurt: deliberate subversion. It means to deliberately and maliciously try to harm someone or come against them, to attempt to bring about their failure.
If there was ever a person who understood sabotage, it was King David. The Psalms are full of his cries to God for vindication against those who plotted against him or rooted for his failure. And, if we’re honest. we’d admit we often feel the same way he did.
David cried out to the Lord in honest anguish of soul and a heartfelt desire for God to judge those who came against him. He repeatedly asked God to destroy the wicked and requested the vengeance of God to be poured out on his enemies. He just told God exactly how he felt. And God did not chastise him for this. God wants us to come to Him boldly, without fear, and be honest with Him. We can pour our hearts out to Him, even when we are angry and frustrated with people. As a result of David’s cries, God gave him insight into how the wicked would end up. Sometimes David saw them reap the harvest they deserved. At other times, he had to trust that God would reward them for their evil works. Psalm 37 is one of David’s writings showing that God had given him an understanding that the wicked would be dealt with appropriately.
Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:1-4 (NKJV)
We do not need to be concerned that those who come against us with evil intentions will go unpunished. God is entirely and completely just. That means that every seed that is sown, whether good or bad, will produce a corresponding harvest for the person who sows it. The law of sowing and reaping is the justice system of God. God showed this to King David, and although he lamented over the things done to him, he was comforted by the fact that evildoers would not always get away with what they had done. There is always a day of judgment. There is always a time of harvest.
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm. For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the Lord, They shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; Indeed, you will look carefully for his place, But it shall be no more. But the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. Psalm 37:7-11 (NKJV)
Psalm 37 is a prime example of David’s understanding of God’s justice. I encourage you to read it in its entirety, especially if you are going through a time of persecution or injustice.
When we are attacked or treated wrongly, we can go directly to God and plead our case. We can ask Him to intervene and give our enemies exactly what they deserve. We can be assured that God will work for us and make things right in His time. However, as we ask for His justice, we must remember that God is a longsuffering God and full of compassion, so He will make every effort to draw that person to repentance. After all, think of how long He worked with each of us to get us to the place of repentance and salvation. It is God’s will that the offender turn from their wickedness and come to Him. This means that while the law of sowing and reaping is definitely working, God is also trying to reach that person to save them from their ultimate destruction.
So, in the midst of sabotage know that you can cry out to God in complete honesty and He will hear you. Evil will not go unpunished, and we can rest assured that justice will be served. But, also maintain a heart of compassion and attempt to see your saboteur through the eyes of God- as someone who is in desperate need of salvation and deliverance. The wicked will reap a harvest that matches what they have sown, but the ultimate victory for us is when we gain the ability to pray for our enemies, knowing that the soul of the wicked person is the most important thing at play.
Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright; For the future of that man is peace. But the transgressors shall be destroyed together; The future of the wicked shall be cut off. But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, And save them, Because they trust in Him. Psalm 37:37-40 (NKJV)
