Battle

By Alecia Simersky
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Very rarely when we are doing battles in life do we want to stand still and do nothing. Someone wrongs us, and we want to fight. Defend ourselves, prove our case. 

But when we look at God’s word so often we see Him instruct His people to, “stand still.”

Why?!

That seems so counterintuitive if we want to win the fight. We must make a move, we must do something. And yet, over and over we read “the battle is mine, all you need to do is stand your ground.” (2 Chronicles 20:17 (my paraphrase))

Do I think there are times we should act? Absolutely. 

But how often could the battles in our life be won if we took it to Heaven from the start? What if we began the battle on our knees first and then allowed Him to direct our next move? 

Our way usually makes things worse anyways.

In 1 Samuel 12:16, we find the Israelites once again have gone astray. (I know, shocker!)

They are LOST. They are living life their own way, creating their own gods and have gotten themselves into heaps of trouble. Samuel is trying to help them out, he tells them if you keep rebelling the hand of God is going to come against you. 

He encourages them: “Even now, take your stand and see this great thing which the Lord will do before your eyes.”

He’s pleading with them to watch and take their eyes off their idols. To stop living life the way they think is right and look up!

Are we any different today?
Thankfully, we do have the Bible as our reference to learn from the stubborn Israelites. I used to judge them, big time. How could they be so stubborn and dumb? I mean, they had all these signs and wonders happening right in front of them and yet they still doubted and turned from Him. I would think, I would NEVER doubt God with all those miracles happening right in front of my eyes. 

Oh, to walk so closely day and night and never have to wonder if He was real.

In my eyes the Israelites had it made.

And yet I look at my life and I can look back and see ALL the ways He has carried me through. In my dark days He’s provided ways when I couldn’t find one. He’s performed downright miracles just to show me He can be trusted. 

 But I still doubt some days. I still wonder are you there, God?

Do you see? Do you care?

Samuel’s words were to spur on the Israelites, but they are for me too. 

The spirit whispers…

Watch what I will do, Alecia. Take your stand and I will do great things before your eyes, you just watch and see. 

Oh, how I want to get better at this. Standing still goes against my every nature, however I want to see my Father fight for me. I want to see the miracles happen before my eyes and be blown away by His goodness. 
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Father forgive me when I take matters into my own hands. Help me to turn, stand, and watch for you.