I’m writing this in the middle of a battle. This week I began to wonder if I was meant to keep fighting or surrender. What I’m beginning to comprehend is the importance of understanding the full meaning of God’s promises.

One promise is that the Holy Spirit will remind me of what Jesus taught. As I remember, his peace comes over me. See here:

But when the Father sends the Spirit of Holiness, the One like me who sets you free, he will teach you all things in my name. And he will inspire you to remember every word that I’ve told you. “I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous!

John 14:26-27 (TPT)

I’m constantly amazed and assured that the Holy Spirit speaks to me. As I entered the above scripture, this song began playing: https://youtu.be/uW6xcmqfiY4 Please take a moment to listen.

I want to point this out, not to make myself look like I’m anything special, but to encourage you to listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit in your own life. When something comes into your thoughts, don’t dismiss it too quickly.

So, back to my story. Two promises kept repeating in my mind – the battle is the Lord’s; and, no weapon formed against me shall prosper. Let’s look at the first one:

…This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow, march out against them… But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”

2 Chronicles 20:15-17 (NLT)

I love this story. This is the one where the worshippers are sent out before the army. As they began praising God, the enemy armies began fighting amongst themselves and the battle was over before the army arrived. God’s people didn’t need to fight that battle because of God’s promise.

What is my take-away? The given is: I will have battles. The question is, do I want to fight or listen to God’s instructions and send my praise before me into battle?

Here’s another example:

But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground.

Exodus 14:13-16 (NLT)

Lol! Here’s the song that’s playing at my house now. https://youtu.be/uEeCl1KyXiI

I love God’s response to Moses. It’s like he’s saying, ”Why are you just standing there talking about this? Let’s do this thing!” My take-away, once I know God is leading the way, do what he asks me to do. So that was a bonus scripture.

In this next scripture, the given is: There will be weapons made to be used against me.

If anyone dares to stir up strife against you, it is not from me! Those who challenge you will go down in defeat.

See, I am the one who created the craftsman who fans the coals into a fire and forges a weapon fit for its purpose, and I am the one who created the destroyer to destroy. But I promise you, no weapon meant to hurt you will succeed, and you will refute every accusing word spoken against you. This promise is the inheritance of Yahweh’s servants, and their vindication is from me,” says Yahweh.

Isaiah 54:15-17 (TPT)

This one was a little more confusing in context. One minute God is saying he isn’t the one who sends the trouble and the next minute he says he made the one who forges the weapons and he created the destroyer. What? My take-away: Everything is in God’s hands and if he says I’m going to be okay, I will be. God acts with purpose.

So, do I fight? Yes and no. A better word would be, act. I should act on what God instructs me to act on. Should I surrender? Again, yes and no. I’m not meant to succumb to the enemy or the problematic situation. I am called to offer up my desires, filling my heart with praise and abiding in God’s desires.

May God rise to strengthen and guide you, as you face the battles and weapons that come against you. May your heart be filled with praise as you stand still and see his victory manifest in your life.

Grace & Peace,

Sandy