“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men…”

I know I keep telling you about this book:

But hear me out one more time because I am STILL not over it yet. No, that’s not true. Hear me out today, and then probably several more times. I highlighted half the book.

I loved so much about it. Rather than make a huge list, which I could, I’m going to just focus on the first great thought that this book inspired in me. We’ll talk about the rest another time.

#1. “as long as I believe–really believe–God is there and He is out to do me good, I can stop freaking out trying to fix everything on my own. I can rest in the fact that God is in control.”

It recently occurred to me that when we have passed through long phases of life of fighting to get out of a hard situation, we can end up stuck in fight mode. We think, “I have to make sure I do this thing, or all will be lost!” and we live putting everything on the line, putting incredible pressure on ourselves, and we fight, and we fight, and we fight. Maybe it’s a good thing for a short time. There are times when we DO have to fight for things, both in blood, sweat, and tears, and in prayer! But eventually, we come to a place where the fight is over.

 The fight is over. I don’t need to fight anymore.

I am reminded of David, in the Bible, when he prayed and fasted, and begged the Lord to save the life of his sick baby. But the baby died, so David got up, cleaned himself up, and ate. There was no need to fight anymore. No amount of begging could bring the baby back.

Just as any soldier returning from battle, or wife who held down the fort in his absence must fight, there comes a time to move on.

Sometimes it takes a while to suck that adrenaline back in and remember how to just enjoy your blessings, to put down your sword, stop getting your feelings hurt, stop being on guard all the time.

I have come to that place in life, for the time being. My life is not a battle, and yet, I recently noticed that I am still grinding my teeth and coming unglued.

It’s time to stop that. It’s time to be thankful. It’s time to calm myself down so that I can be a better blessing to others.

I don’t want to be known for “crazy stressed.” I want to be the lady that sits on the front porch watching Daniel ride his bike. I want to be the lady that isn’t too busy with my own problems to make a meal for the sick. (I’m not there yet, but that’s the goal here.) I want to be known for peace in the midst of this wild world.

God is trustworthy. If I pour my heart out to Him in prayer, He will give me what I need. He can fight our battles for us.

“Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.'”  2 Chronicles 20:15

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient.”   2 Timothy 2:24

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.     Ephesians 6:12-13

And be ye thankful!!! For the battle is not ours, but the Lord’s!