Shooting from the Shadows

​When I asked West Point classmate Greg, if he had ever been shot from the shadows, he wrote:
I was thinking back to a time in a position of supervisory responsibility for 50 federal employees in eight different locations, enabling almost 5,000 other federal employees. We were working hard to meet tasks and missions professionally. We even received an award for excellence at the Executive Building next to the White House.

A dear Christian friend warned me to watch out for others who might become jealous and seek me harm. Little did I know, but my virtual supervisor was preparing my demise after I raised professional, ethical issues as to their conduct of business. Soon afterward, without explanation, I was relieved of my duties. An investigation ensued while I was in virtual house arrest. Charges were filed after more than a year, which I challenged up to the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board. The administrative judge found no wrongdoing on my part.

God provided another job outside of that federal agency for my physical and mental health and providing for my family, A few years later, I learned that my previous supervisor was administratively removed from his position for the ethical reasons I raised. Yes, the devil will try to demoralize and confuse you when arrows come out of the dark in your direction. Yet, I grew from that time, learning to “Be still and know that I am God . . .” (Psalm 46:10-NIV).
 
Meditation
Psalm 11:2—For look, the wicked string the bow; they put the arrow on the bowstring to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.
 
Greg shared this prayer, “Thank you Lord, for Psalm 11:2 to bring resolute hope that You love us and will be with us during times of trouble, especially when we don’t know why or where that arrow just came from.” The wicked take advantage from their hiding place to destroy those intent on doing what is right.  This should not surprise us. It should encourage us to pray more for our enemies, be vigilant, and remember what our future holds. “For the LORD is righteous; He loves righteous deeds. The upright will see His face” (11:7).
           
Do not ever fear doing what is right.  “When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is: fear God and keep His commands, because this is for all humanity” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Even in arrest, there is rest for doing what is right.  
 
Inspiration
“The best apology against false accusers is silence and sufferance, and honest deeds set against dishonest words.”—John Milton
 
©2025 Daniel York  ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  To receive these devotionals, go to www.firstcause.org and click the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed, subject to the inclusion of this copyright notice.     
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)