2 Chronicles 32:8
‘”With him is only an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people relied on the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.’
What an amazing reality. We all have our own gifts. Some are better than others. But the christian has the Lord. That doesn’t mean we always win, but we can trust that His will will be done. We can also trust that it will work out for our good. So, we need not worry.
This reminds me of the three Hebrew young men in Daniel 3:16-18. Nebuchadnezzar built a gold image for all to worship. The young men to not do so. The king gave them another chance. Here was their response; ‘Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego replied to the king, “Nebuchadnezzar, we are not in need of an answer to give you concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods nor worship the golden statue that you have set up.” They knew God was with them and would care for them. They might be rescued. If not they would be in heaven. They were content and accepted either situation. They were fearless.
We have an invisible helper of whom we take our orders. Come what may, God is with us. I love the description, “With him is only an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” They may be confident. That’s fine. They may win. Let them. Don’t get upset. God will make a way, His will happens if we trust in Him.
I’m coming off a two month conflict with coworkers. I shouldn’t have engaged in it. I believe that was part of the purpose of that lesson. Not to be so caught up in my rights. With this same group we are entering another decision point. I gave my idea which had majority support. A vocal minority opposed it. I would normally draw a line and dig in. I don’t think I should.
I can recall pastor Chuck advising to keep a light touch on things. Don’t have that hard grip. The ebb and flow and current of life goes in unpredictable directions. This brings to mind Proverbs 3:5,6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths”. This falls under the category of “lean not on your own understanding”. We are to bring Him into all of our thoughts and decisions.
Are we ever to be firm? Yes, the three Hebrew young men were. Ephesians 6:13 says, “Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand.” We aren’t to compromise our faith, we are to stand with Him and honor Him. We are to abide by the Ten Commandments and all that the bible tells us to do and not to do. Outside of that all is flexible. We don’t have to have our way. We can suggest it, don’t demand it. Leave it up to God. Don’t lean on the arm of the flesh.
This “leaving it to God” is quite restful. It’s not up to us to wrestle our way into existence. Suggest it, demonstrate it and leave it. Our christian experience is to be one of rest. If it’s not, then we aren’t doing it right. Help us here Lord.
Lord, thank You for this mindset. Help us to rest in You as You work Your will.