There is a time to Fight and there is a time to Stand Resting in God’s Promises
Don’t forget, after having done all to stand, just stand (Ephesians 6:13-14). Many of us have been in a battle for some time that has intensified to the point of almost being unbearable within the last two years. Of which, we have used all of the Word of God inside of us to fight and to stand. However, when we are so used to fighting such an intense battle, it can be easy for us not to discern when it is time for us to rest from such intense fighting, and to simply stand in that which we believe. Sidenote: We enter into God’s rest through believing (Hebrews 4:3).
I was reminded of this when reading a story about King David in the Bible. David was older and he had fought much of his life to remain in position to obtain the promises of God including taking the throne of Israel. He had gone out to war with his men, and the Bible says that he was exhausted. His exhaustion had placed him in a vulnerable position where he was about to be killed. A young man named Abishai saved his life. After this encounter, David’s men scolded him saying how they forbade him to go out to war with them again so that the light of Israel would not be put out. Light of Israel statement showed David’s value to the men. He was highly respected, regarded, and valued just like we are, but may fail to realize due to the distraction of the fight.
Resting helps us to take into account what we have really done, and accomplished. It helps us to see that life although, it is made up of challenges, is not all about overcoming challenges, and fighting. It is also about enjoying the fruit of the labor that has already been given. This can only be truly taken into account through seasons of rest.
There is a time where it is necessary to fight, and there is also a time where it is necessary to just stand. What are we standing on? We are simply standing on the promises of God. We are standing on the fact that we are loved by God with an everlasting love. We are standing on the fact that God’s love is unfailing. We are standing on the fact that we are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. We are standing on the fact that God’s word will not come back void, so everything that he has spoken out of his mouth will come to pass.
It is not God’s will for us to spend our whole lives exhausted fighting a war that has already been won. When we simply stand; We allow ourselves to take a rest. While taking a rest, God will send reinforcements like he did with David. One of the younger men actually saved his life, and gave him wisdom to remain preserved.
T.D. Jakes said something very wise. He said that a person who is tired cannot handle harvest because harvest is work. It is actually wisdom to rest between the season of fighting and the season of reaping the harvest. Let’s be bold in Christ as we rest in him standing on his promises.
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