When Family Becomes an Enemy

You have fought these people either physically, mentally or both.  You have asked God for forgiveness and mercy.  These people, who you call your "family," are not going to always like, love, respect, or appreciate you.  At times, they can feel more like foes than friends.  You desire peace among them, but lately all there is are arguments, tears, worries, and secret wishes to be anywhere but with them!

Take comfort in knowing that God cares.  He knows your every struggle and he wants to give you peace.  You will rise above your situation!  Tough times like these won't last forever.  Now more than ever, you must pray more.  Trust that where you are right now with your family and friends is not where you have to be this time next year!

I think of Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. "Child of God, these trials that you are now in are being worked out for your good!  Although we don't know the specifics of God's purpose, what we do know is that every time our foes bring about a challenge, there is something to learn and grow from.

Take a moment to pray the following:

"Lord you know the struggles I have with my family.  I confess the sins that I have committed as a result of deep rooted resentment, anger, jealousy, bitterness...I sincerely want to change from my wicked ways. Give me the strength for now to get through every challenge they put before me.  Provide me with an exit plan when the time is right.  I ask these things in Jesus name, Amen."

I prayed something like this many years ago.  Weeks after I prayed, I saw my breakthrough.  God granted me favor with them to help me move.  I was so grateful to have my own place!  I knew that God wasn't going to bless me until I changed my mindset and spent more time with Him and less focus on what they were doing and saying.  When I took my mind off of family and placed it on God, change came sooner rather than later.  They noticed I spent more time in the word and in church and although they were critical sometimes, I didn't let their remarks keep me off the mark that God had made for me!  I believe that God is going to free you, who is going through so much, just keep your mind on Him!

God bless.

Nicholl McGuire is the author of Know Your Enemy the Christian's Critic and the voice behind the YouTube channel nmenterprise7, a faith based podcast to bring spiritual enlightenment to a hungry world!