Have you ever taken one of those personality tests, that show your strengths and how you deal with different types of people? We took this test at work a few years ago. I must say, it nailed my personality traits, 100%! My top five strengths are, Communication, Belief, Responsibility, Connectedness and Woo. I have always been a strong communicator. I also have held on to my beliefs and opinions, even to the point of obstinance. I believe that everyone should be held accountable for their actions. And if I am completely transparent, if I allow my sinful nature to rule, I not only want them to get what’s coming to them, I want to watch them get it!

If you are a fan of professional wrestling, you will remember the super star, Macho Man Randy Savage. He was one of the biggest stars in the 1980’s. His personality was over the top. In 1987 he said in an interview, “Vengeance is mine”, referring to his feud with the evil Honkytonk Man. Looking back on those days, I can’t help but grin at the cheesiness – but oh how we loved it! I don’t know about you, but I love dramatic movies, where the good guy takes out the bad. No wonder Denzil Washington’s movies, The Equalizer, has produced two sequels. We are naturally inclined to seek vengeance.

Recently, I had something taken from me. It was difficult, painful, and it made me look on people with suspicion. My normal reaction would have been to allow that emotion and anger to fester inside me and I would have tried to force the outcome that I believed was right for the crime. After all, vengeance is mine! I am happy to say that this time, I gave it up to God. I released that anger, suspicion and vengeance to Him and I trusted. Believe me, it wasn’t easy and I probably didn’t do it perfectly. Yet, as I trusted, I felt His calm Spirit fill my heart and I didn’t continue to rehash the scenario, didn’t play over and over in my head. A few weeks after this incident, I received an unexpected gift. It far outweighed what had been taken from me. It was like a nod from heaven. The Lord spoke to my heart again, showing me how He was in control and He was going to provide. I can’t tell you how much I was encouraged by this!

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:14-21 ESV

Those are difficult words to live by. Our sinful nature wants to push against this idea. While I do not believe these words are commanding us to live a life of passivism, I do believe the Lord is telling us to trust. And in my situation, as I poured out my emotions to God, I knew that He saw me and He knew who had wronged me. Releasing that anger to Him, helped me more by allowing me to move forward and trust a little more than I did perhaps the day before.

Our sinful hearts can dream up all kinds of different scenarios to worry about! Tomorrow holds so much mystery. Will you allow your anxiety to fester and grow, or can we learn to let go and give tomorrow to God? What I have found over the last year of studying and growth is who God is, His character and His attributes. The more I know Him, the more I am able to trust and let go of my fear of tomorrow. I pray you will be encouraged today and I pray His peace will fill you as you let open your hands and release your tomorrow to Him.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your heats and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 ESV