Hooked Again

Hooked Again

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“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you,” Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬, NIV‬‬.

Hours after I wrote “Hooked,” God gave me an opportunity to put forgiveness into practice. It wasn’t easy.

As most of you are aware I just launched a new children’s book,” Our ABCs of God.” We decided to publish on Amazon because of what they offer in the area of marketing.

Anyway, moments after I scheduled a release date, I received a phone call from the senior publisher of Amazonpublishing.com. I was excited, and so was he. We talked about the book, and he told me I could sign a contract today as soon as he finished perusing the book for a final sign-off. Minutes ticked by, when I got the email, “Welcome aboard!”

As we talked, he was able to answer all of my questions to my satisfaction. Ready to move ahead, I never questioned him about those answers that didn’t seem completely reasonable. And I should have.

He turned out to be a scam artist and now has $1,950.00 of my money in his pocket.

Then my husband came to the rescue! The deal didn’t feel right to him, he dove in, and the truth came out. We canceled our credit card, the fraud department was notified, yet we went to bed still unsure of the outcome. Only time will tell.

Sleep did not come easily. I had been scammed, taken advantage of deliberately. And they are doing the same to hundreds of people every year!

My blood boiled with indignation. Not right! Unfair! How dare they!

Upon awakening, God reminded me of Colossians’ 3, “forgive as the LORD forgave you.”

I needed to let them off the hook. I needed to release my desire to see them punished by me. I needed to place them into Jesus’ hand where He will do the judging and punishing. That’s His job anyways. It wasn't easy, obedience in this area seldom is.

Yet, the peace that followed was amazing.

I’m not saying I was able to let it go completely; I made references to it all day long! And every time God reminded me to straighten my hook.

Seeing myself on a hook (read “Hooked” last week’s devotional for context) was indeed persuasive. For, I too want to be forgiven.

My situation is different from yours. I had some closure shortly after the offense. You might still be looking for closure. Your hurt might have gone deep and wide, whereas mine was more shocked and awe.

But we are commanded to forgive.

My encouragement for all of us is to continue to forgive. Every time we put someone back on our judgment hook, remember what Jesus said and let them off, again. Put the one who has hurt you in Jesus’ hand. He’ll show grace and mercy to them as He has done for us. Yet, if they reject it, He will show them judgment and punishment.

“Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How does your hook look today? Still struggling? Keep pressing on, you’ll get there. We all will.

Father,

We are still learning the great mysteries You offer. We are still learning how to surrender our will to You, for You are so worth it.

There are still people who are suffering due to the pain some else has inflicted on them. Help the healing take place.

Bring us to the place where we truly want Your way over our own way. Help us to forgive, for that is what You have asked us to do. This is how we say we love You in a language You hear—the words and heart of one who offers forgiveness.

Helps us not be like those who do not know You. They hold on to past hurts as if it is fuel for their bodies. They turned down Your daily bread and are pursuing their own way.

Help us to set our eyes on the things above—Your things, for Your way. Teach us to forgive as You have forgiven us.

We know it’s important.

Thank You for teaching us and leading us on Your path of righteousness.

Amen.