“When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

Proverbs 16:7 ESV

I heard this testimony from one of the ministers of God during a mission trip to India. It was a very small village, and these were the initial days of sharing the gospel with people who did not know Jesus. As the minister preached and began to gain the villagers’ attention, the head of the village, along with a few others, came to threaten him.

At first, the minister of God was not intimidated. But one day, the head of the village warned him sternly to leave the village, or he would pay a heavy price for not complying.

Later, the minister learned that the head of the village and those supporting him had put a price on his head. If he did not move out by the appointed day they had given him, they were planning to behead him. Upon learning this, the minister was terrified, yet the Holy Spirit continued to comfort him and assure him to stay, in spite of the threat.

As the days passed, the head of the village would repeatedly remind him of how many days were left. The appointed time was drawing near, yet God continued to strengthen him to remain. When the day finally arrived, the minister was fearful and waited for a group of people to come and attack him. Though afraid, he had resolved to face whatever came.

Time passed, and no one came. Later that evening, he received a message that the head of the village had encountered an unfortunate incident, which I will not describe to preserve the reader’s discretion. When the villagers heard about this, they were filled with fear.

The very next day, the villagers came—not to threaten him, but to make peace with him. They even requested that he pray for them and their families. Through this, the minister was able to bring many souls to Jesus, and with the help of our church, he was later able to build and dedicate not one, but two churches in that village.

Today, those same villagers protect and support the minister whenever other religious groups come to threaten him.

This scripture took on a deeper meaning for me when I heard this testimony. It brings great encouragement to know that when a man’s ways please God, even his enemies are made to be at peace with him.

Too often, we engage in the wrong battles in the pursuit of victory and, in doing so, displease God. But it works the other way around—when our ways please the Lord, victory comes to us in the form of peace. Not all battles are meant to be fought; some victories are wrapped in the gift of peace.

The Bible records that God gave rest to King David from all his enemies because his ways pleased the Lord.

Be encouraged and stay grounded in pleasing God alone. Allow Him to deal with situations, people, and even enemies in His way. Position yourself to receive the peace that only God can give.

Prayer:

Father God, help us to walk in ways that are pleasing to You. Teach us to trust You with every battle and every opposition we face. Quiet our hearts, guard our minds, and lead us into the peace You have promised. Let our lives glorify You, and may Your peace be our victory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.