The Power of Restraint in Spiritual Warfare
As I watch athletes push themselves to the limit, I’m reminded of the value we place on grit and determination. Whether it’s scoring a touchdown or crossing the finish line, we celebrate the effort and perseverance it takes to achieve greatness. But what about our spiritual lives? Do we approach our relationship with God with the same tenacity, or do we recognize the importance of restraint and rest?
The Unexpected Strategy of Stillness
Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God’s people preparing for battle, only to be told to stand down. In Exodus 14, as the Egyptians closed in, God instructed Moses to tell the Israelites to simply be still. Similarly, in Joshua 6, the Israelites were told to march around Jericho, trusting in God’s power to deliver the city into their hands. And in 2 Chronicles 20, God promised to fight on behalf of Judah, freeing them from the need to take up arms.
The Futility of Self-Reliance
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve exhausted myself preparing for battles I thought I had to fight. I’ve rehearsed responses, strategized, and worried, only to realize that I was trying to do God’s job. How much anxiety could I have avoided if I had simply trusted in God’s promise to fight for me?
The Promise of Peace
God’s word is clear: He will fight for us. We don’t have to live with anxiety, wondering how we’ll overcome the challenges that lie ahead. Instead, we can rest in the knowledge that God is our defender, our rock, and our salvation. As we learn to trust in His power, we can exchange our anxiety for peace, our fear for faith.
A Prayer for Trust
Lord, help me trust you in the battles I face. Increase my peace as I let you fight for me. Thank you for your promise. Amen. May we learn to lean on God’s strength, rather than our own, and find rest in the midst of spiritual warfare.
Leave a Reply