Winning the battle sometimes entails not fighting. Showing up and letting God do the work. God has been teaching me that when we micromanage our battles we only manage to make a mess. This week at Faith Barista we are discussing the concept of "stay" in our spiritual walk and in our journey to Easter. Like a puppy learning to be obedient the "stay" command can be torture. People are like puppies in that "staying" can be one of the hardest things you can do in this battle of life.
The word "stay" comes from the Latin word "stare" which means to stand. Countless times God asks those in the Scriptures to stay, stand, or be still. As Moses faced the Egyptians one last time God said, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." {Ex 14:14} I don't know about you, but my battle plan would have been "FIGHT OR FLEE." Standing still doesn't sound wise.
As Jehoshaphat faced Moab and Ammon, God told him, "You will not have to fight this battle...Stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you...{II Chron. 20:17} A battle you don't have to fight, but that you will win. Once again...it makes no sense.
Even Christ used "staying power".
In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe." Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him. Mark 15:31-32
Christ saving Himself? Possible? OH YES! However, the Son would only save us if He stayed...seeing it through to the end...to the death. Sometimes staying isn't a bad thing. Christ could have save Himself and chose not to in order to save us. We tend to "save ourselves". The only problem? We can't. Only He can.
We attempt self-saving because we don't trust the Savior that stays.
Can we stay following the examples of Christ?
Staying may mean not taking up our defense when others accuse.
Staying may mean not micromanaging our reputations.
Staying may mean not worrying, but resting in His love.
Staying is keeping a tight rein on a critical tongue.
Staying is being still enough to hear His voice.
Staying is not singing our praises, but rather His.
All this staying only happens when we abide in Him.
Take up your position. Stand firm and watch a staying Savior save, because it really isn't your battle.
6 comments:
Thank you, Debbie. I too easily want to "save myself." I am so grateful Jesus "stayed" in His suffering for us, even to death!
Yes! My spirit has been drawn again and again to the idea of abiding as I ponder this prompt "stay"
How true is this...how hard to stay! But it is crucial isn't it! Thank you for reminding us again Debby. :-)
Debbie, this is so convicting! It's a message the Lord has been whispering to me for months, and one I needed to be reminded of today. Thank you!
Wonderful truths here. I find resting and letting God fight for me is challenging but in obedience we listen to Him. He knows when we are to fight and when we are to stay calm and let Him fight. These verses you shared here are two I turn to often. Thank you for blessing us with your words. Stopping over from Faith Barista.
Thank you all for stopping by and reading. Staying is so hard sometimes especially when everything inside you wants to fight the battle.
Post a Comment