Isn't that how most of us live life? We do it our way ... or we do it in our own strength ... til we can't. And then we might stop and we might pray and we might try it HIS way??
Talking about the Israelites again this morning (but don't get too excited, we're not off the hook yet!). Around 733 BC, the Assyrians started coming through Canaan and the forgetful Israelites got scared. They had forgotten ALL that God had done to save and provide for them. They had forgotten His promise to protect and grant them favor IF they would obey. And they went back to their "default" (don't you hate that??). They tried to make an alliance ... with EGYPT, for crying out loud. Remember Egypt = enemies??? They were trying to provide for themselves in the only way they could think and in their own power. They forgot what God had told their ancestors as they stood at the Red Sea, "The Lord will fight for you. You need only be still." This time = EPIC FAIL.
But then later, in 2 Chronicles 20 they were surrounded by enemies again ... but this time, instead of trying their own plans, they listened to God!
Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, "A vast army is coming against you from Edom, [b] from the other side of the Sea. It is already in Hazazon Tamar" (that is, En Gedi). Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him. (v. 2-4)
He said: "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. Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.' " (v. 15-17)
Really for us, too, the battle is not ours, but God's. It's not against flesh and blood ... but against spiritual stuff. And God tells us ... BE STILL = cease striving = stop trying to do it on your own = this battle is NOT yours, but MINE.
I was trying to explain what it was like to do things in God's power vs doing things in OUR power. And this is how I've come to see it ... It's like the difference between training for a race and just going out and doing it anyways. I've learned over the last few races that I CAN finish, by sheer will, sheer mind over matter ... but it will be harder, more frustrating and with injury and pain much more likely. When I train, I feel prepared, enjoy it a lot more and am less likely to struggle. Thus, with GOD ... when we do things in HIS strength and not our own ... less frustrating, more joy, less effort, more peace, less struggle ...
I think I'm ready to quit striving and be still, let HIM fight for me and do this HIS way!
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