Darth Vador, The Joker, Wile E. Coyote, Lex Luthor, The
Wicked Witch of the West, and Magneto. What
do all these names have in common? They
are all someone’s “Nemesis”. A nemesis
can be defined as “an opponent that cannot be easily beaten or overcome.” Another name for this person might be… an
adversary, archenemy, backbiter, betrayer, or foe.
Do you have a Nemesis?
I know it’s hard to believe, but I have had a few of these in my
lifetime. Some how my life threatened
them, trust was broken, and a friendship was lost. None of this was my intent, but was the end
result due to their actions.
I remember one time I had a chance to tell my nemesis
exactly what I thought of her. We served
together in ministry. She was a part of
a team of leaders we developed to help in our specific area of ministry. She seemed to have a servant’s heart, she was
willing to help wherever needed, and was supportive of everything we did. Oh, how we were mistaken. I don’t know when the tides turned, but at
some point her heart grew cold towards us.
She began to stir up dissension, speak negatively about us to others,
and tried to divide the very ministry we worked so hard to build together for
God. My heart was broken. I was shocked, angry, and confused. Why?
What did “I” or “WE” do to cause her to act in such a way? I was stunned.
Before the mess began, my husband and I had already felt God
releasing us from this area of ministry and leading us to another. We attempted to make it as smooth as possible
for everyone. We stuck it out until the
dust settled not wanting to make a mad dash in the midst of chaos. We owed God and those we served better than
that. On our last night with our leaders
my husband determined we would say goodbye in a unique way. He didn’t tell me until it was too late for
me to say no that we were going to do a foot washing Jesus-style.
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We placed two chairs up front, played some worship music,
and had the leaders’ line up in two lines (gals & guys) for the big event. As we got our wash cloth and bowls of water
ready, my stomach began to churn. One by
one we called them forward. Tears flowed
as we shared words of love and encouragement with each one personally. “Thank you for loving the unlovable.” “Thank you for coming early and staying late
to reach lost souls.” “Thank you for
praying, giving, living your walk with God out before others, and supporting us
100%.” Thank you, thank you, thank
you, and we love you.
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The knots in my stomach multiplied as I looked across the
room at HER. I chose everyone, BUT the
one I dreaded most. I was saving HER for
last. I prayed God would give me the words. I had MANY words I would have liked to say,
but I needed the “right” words… “God’s words”.
Lord help me! The more I shared
with the other ladies how much I appreciated them, the more I realized SHE had done some things I appreciated. I just didn’t want to share them with her to
her face. My heart was hurt. This was very humbling… to get on my knees,
wash my enemy’s feet, and tell her how much I appreciated her. This was NOT my favorite time in ministry,
but definitely a life-changing moment for me.
As I walked over to take her hand to guide her to the honored
chair, God’s peace poured over me. I
prayed God would help me see HER through His eyes. I felt His presence like no other helping me…
guiding my tongue. Tears began to roll
down my cheeks as I genuinely thanked her for serving beside us all of those
years. My words were heart-felt, my
expressions were genuine, and my face shined with joy as God showed up to
strengthen me. I had NO REGRETS. I could have said A LOT of things, but I
chose to allow my words to heal rather than to harm that day. I said what I needed to say and not what I wanted
to say. Thank you Jesus!
In that humble moment, God got my attention. It’s not about me. It’s all about Him. SHE wasn’t truly my nemesis. Satan was the real enemy….provoking, stirring
up trouble to divide and conquer. Two
scriptures came to mind…
John 10:10 says…
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have
come that they may have life, and
have it to the full." (NIV)
Ephesians 6:12 says…
"Our fight is not against people on earth but against the
rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness, against the
spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world." (NCV)
Satan is the greatest enemy of all. He is out to hurt us in every way… steal joy,
kill dreams, and destroy relationships.
If he can’t keep us from God, then he will attempt to poison the very
soul God rescued with anger, bitterness, resentment, and un-forgiveness. He will use whatever means possible to make
this happen… even people we know, trust, and love.
Do you have one? … A Nemesis? Maybe it’s time for you to set up an
appointment with that person. Ask God to
help you see him or her through His eyes.
You might be surprised what may happen. Don’t worry… you will not be alone. God will be there to help you. It just might be a life-changing moment for
you like it was for me. What have you got to lose, but those knots in your
stomach?
Living to leave a legacy,
Julie
