Surrendering to Stillness
Being still nor silent was part of the plan. Someone was attacking my character, and I felt I deserved the right to wield the sword that would bring the person down. I had every word calculated and every comeback prepared to any rebuttal the person may give.
One morning I was driving to work rehearsing my battle plan in my head. I was in the middle of a charge when God interrupted. He said, “Maybe my battle is won through your success.” That seemed a little anti-climactic…and freeing.
The Battle
Most of us face battles at some point. Sometimes the battles are in our heads and sometimes they are out in front of God and everyone. Regardless of how the battles take place, we often find ourselves exhausted, empty, and resentful. However, we have an opportunity to experience something different.
In Exodus 14 God fights in a unique way. The Israelites were frightened because Pharaoh’s army was after them. Hearing their cries of fear, God tells Moses to raise his staff to part the Red Sea. The Israelites are guided through the parted path, yet Pharaoh’s army is still in pursuit on the same path. However, once the Israelites are safe, the water collapses washing away the army. Water. That is how God fought that battle. The command he gave to the Israelites were to not to fight, but to trust Him and watch. Stillness allowed them an opportunity to see God fight in such a way that his glory could not be denied.
Being still while hearing reports of this person slandering my name was not easy. However, God showed me as he did the Israelites that battle looks different in his Kingdom. My success in Christ became the “water” that washed away the army of insults. Many of us may be facing battles or in the throes of one, and God could require of us to be like the Israelites: obedient and still. The question becomes, will we? Will we surrender the battle for him to fight so his power and strength can be known?
Surrendering the Battle
My battle plan was not part of God’s plan. I had to surrender defending my name and trust that God would allow my character to be known. I had to release my anger so it could be replaced with truth, hope, and peace. Although I struggled with letting go, I rested in knowing that God’s thoughts and ways are higher than mine (Isaiah 55:8-9). I trusted that He would fight; I need only be still.
However, for some of us, the battle for justice is necessary. Our health, well-being, and overall safety may be at stake. Even in these instances, God is fighting for us. He is with us wherever we go providing strength, courage, and wisdom for the conflict ahead while also calling us to obedience amid the fight (Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 41:10, NIV).
Our Obedience
God’s word is clear that we “do not wage war as the world does” (2 Corinthians 10:3, NIV). We are called to submit ourselves to Christ (James 4:7; 2 Timothy 2:1). This may be done through prayer, reading God’s word, worship, and other avenues that honor Christ. These elements require stillness. In our stillness, not only do our enemies experience the power, might, and strength of God, but also we do.
Moreover, whatever the battle before us, God instructs us to be models of Christ. Therefore, even if we are called to be a part of the battle, we also are called to uphold the image of Christ while doing so (Ephesians 5:1-2). Nothing will go against the character of Christ, our fight or our stillness.
No matter what battles may come, we can stand firm in knowing that God is for us. And in that knowing we may find satisfaction in our surrender for stillness. In our obedience, we have the opportunity to see waters part and mountains move
Final Thoughts
There is no “easy” in battle. It is hard to surrender, and it is hard to fight. Regardless, of what we are called to fight or be still, If we want freedom, we may need to surrender our view of justice and how we long to see the battle done. When we surrender, we can “Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today” (Exodus 14:13).
Further Reading
Read Exodus 14:10-31. What parts of this battle are prominent for you in this story? How do you believe silence or stillness would be a benefit to the battle you are facing?