Can You Wait Until Tomorrow?
2 Chronicles, Chapter 20
You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.
2 Chronicles 20:17 ESV
I had a few thoughts when I read this chapter and particularly this verse. My first thought was that not all battles are mine. And, I was pretty amazed that Jesus would show this to me. It is a fitting time in life to recognize that I do not have to take up every enemy of my life and fight. If I did, there would likely be nothing left of me to love. Fighting is good sometimes, but not all the time.
After some time of reflecting, though, I asked myself the question that titles this post. With the knowledge that some battles are not mine to fight…can I sleep on it? Can I wait until tomorrow to see what Jesus does? Hmmm. Not usually. I so often get all the battle gear on and fight. Put on the full armor, right?
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:10-17 NIV
Even in this often quoted verse, there is a message to stand firm.
Waiting, holding my position, standing firm…not so easy. I like to take action. I have been surrounded in my childhood and even in adulthood with strong women who taught me by example to take action. Taking action is not bad. But, I am recognizing more and more that sometimes taking action is not the best, or the first thing to do.
Sometimes Jesus quietly says, “Stand firm, hold your position, wait until tomorrow.”
What is Jesus saying to you today about your battles?
Jesus, thank you for the incredible truths that You show us everyday as we study Your Word together. You are amazing. Show us when to fight and when to stand firm. Reveal to us the battles that You are fighting for us. Help us to hear Your voice louder than any others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Comments