During Old Testament times, a footstool was a piece of furniture that accompanied a throne, where a king rested his feet. The term was also used to describe the submissive place of a conquered enemy.

Here in Joshua 10:25, Joshua has led the Israelites to conquer five kingdoms. Joshua calls out from prison the five kings he has captured. Then in a show of power, he has his commanders rest their feet on the kings’ necks. “This is what the Lord will do to all your enemies,” he tells the Israelites. They will be a footstool for your feet. Your enemies will serve you!

Today, Jesus calls us to love our enemies.

He is more qualified to fight them, to discipline them, to change them than we are. If we abide in Christ, God can turn what evil others plan into good.

As Romans 8:28 says, “We know that all things work together for the good of those that love Him and are called according to His purposes.”

God can turn even the evil of our enemies into circumstances that ultimately serve us, that brighten our character, that fatten our faith, that better our lives.

Lift up those people, those circumstances that are beating you down. Keep abiding in Christ. Call on God and be not afraid nor dismayed.