My Beloved Enemy - A Word
To My Enemies YOU are not really my enemies at all. in reality you are some
of the best friends I have. You who have lied about me, and about this ministry,
who have tried to destroy people's faith and confidence in me, who have spread
false and damaging rumors about my life and teachings. through your efforts there
has been a work of grace wrought in this heart of mine that could never have happened
without you.
My friends have been many, and loyal, and faithful to stand
with me in many hours of trial and need. They have been strength to my weakness,
added joy to my heart in time of sorrow, and have girded up my faith amidst raging
doubts. They have brought me before the throne of grace innumerable times in their
seasons of prayer. I could not have continued long in this spiritual conflict
without these wonderful friends.
But, believe me, I speak in sincerity
and truth, there can be no perfection in the lives of God's elect without the
chastising work of a real enemy. For when a bitter vicious person begins to do
all they can to destroy me and my work for God, then there is a work done that
brings out all the wrong and evil attitudes and spirits that lie hidden and deeply
rooted in my heart. When a friend extols all my good virtues and praises me from
their heart of true friendship, I feel nothing but love for them. But, when I
hear of an enemy who has unjustly brought shame upon me, there rises up a spirit
of defending myself, and a spirit of "righteous indignation" to refute the enemy.
It is then that the precious Holy Spirit does His office work and reveals to me
the wrongness of my own spirit. I see in me then, the things I did not know were
there before. With repenting and sorrow of heart I cry to God, and He delivers
me from that which I have seen in my life. It was hidden, lying dormant, until
you, my beloved enemy brought it to light with your crucifying process. The prophets
of old would never have had the glory of being stoned for the Word of God-and
no martyr's crowns could ever have been won by the early Christians without real
enemies.
You see, I cannot crucify myself, and friends will not do it.
So it takes you, my enemy, to bring me to the cross. And to the cross I must come,
if ever I am to come to the glory of perfection. But I have much progress yet
to make before coming to the image of my lovely Jesus. There is so much I must
yet learn. And, my enemy, you are teaching me. I have learned that the road to
glory is by way of the cross. Without you I would not have found the way. Someone
had to crucify my Jesus. Not his friends, not his disciples, and He could not
do it Himself. So Satan and the princes of this world stirred up hatred in the
hearts of His enemies, and the work was done. Had they known that they were bringing
Him into His glory, and bringing about the salvation of lost mankind, they would
not have done it. And I'm sure that if you knew the good your efforts are working
out in my life, you would not want to help me so much. But the work is being done,
and I have learned to love you because of it. "Love thy enemies," He said, and
I wondered how I could do it. But you have taught me. For because of you I have
grown in God, increased in His Grace, and partaken of His divine nature.
Also
because of you many have been turned away and refused to hear the truths imparted
unto this vessel. Their ears have been filled with lies, and no doubt have thought
that "no good thing could possibly come from such a one." But even here I have
seen the hand of God. For those who have had ears to hear the voice of the Spirit
have not believed the lies you have told them, and they have opened their hearts
to the message for these last days. Thus, God has weeded out the chaff from the
wheat, and is in the process of separating His own unto Himself. All things are
working together.
So, my friends, for in reality I have no enemies in flesh
and blood, your work has been sharp and cutting, and many times I was hurt and
wounded deeply. But out of these trying experiences I have come forth a better
Christian, and further on my way to being an overcomer. I doubt that you will
receive any rewards for your lies and your efforts to destroy me, for "Woe unto
them through whom these offences come." But I want you to know that though your
loss may be great in the day of judgment, I love you and appreciate the ministry
you have had in perfecting this life of mine.
NOW JUST A WORD TO ALL WHO
HAVE READ THIS. I trust that you have understood that this word has not been applicable
to me only, but should apply as well to all of God's dear children. May the Spirit
speak to your heart and open your eyes to this great truth. that without chastisement
and the work of enemies we can never come into full Sonship. And when we see how
much our persecutions and afflictions mean to us in maturing our spirits and bringing
us into His image, then we can truly "Love our enemies," and "bless them that
curse us." Praise God for His marvelous plan! And remember. all the enemy can
destroy in the fires of persecution is "hay, wood and stubble," and all they will
melt and bring into His image is the "gold, silver and the precious stones." So
let us be willing to burn that which will burn, that those things which will not
burn may stand forever!
Bill
Britton My Beloved Enemy 