“How’s the battle,” I asked my wife as she was sewing a hem under time pressure.
“Why’s it a battle?” she looked up, quizzically.
“Hmm, guess I always think of things as a battle,” I replied. ” But aren’t I supposed to be a warrior?”
“Yes, but most of the time you go around all hunched, worrying.”
“A Strong and Mighty Worrier, eh,” I joked.
Are you like me? Do you have trouble understanding and applying Paul’s admonition to the Philippians:
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
“But you see, Lord,” I might counter, “I’m responsible for many things. I’ve got to love my wife, raise my kids, provide for my family.” If I don’t worry about these things, who is going to? Well certainly not God! When will I learn that He’s got this? That I’m called to work hard, yes, but in the end, I’m also called to let go, cast my cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7), and rest.
“Peace I leave with you,” Jesus told his disciples, just before he surrendered His life to the cross. “my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Wow, with all these promises and exhortations from Scripture, what’s my problem? Seems like a no brainer, doesn’t it?
Control, that’s my problem. When it comes down to it, I want to be in charge, and if I’m in charge – frankly – I’ve got a lot to worry about!
Surrender is the key. Surrender to His love, surrender to His grace, surrender to His plan. If He is in charge (and ultimately He is, whether we accept it or not!), then I don’t have to be. As I trust and rest in Him and His good plan for me and for my family, His peace will come. As I speak with my good and loving Father daily, lifting my concerns to Him – His peace will naturally begin to rule my mind and heart.
Now that sounds like a better place!
Lord, please help me trust and rest in you … so I can be the Strong and Mighty Warrior that I long to be … loving and fighting for my King, my wife, my kids, and my neighbor, near and far. Amen.
By Rand Kreycik
Used by Permission
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