Have you ever had one of those weeks where you felt powerless against the things coming against you?  I was inclined to say “people and things” and quickly remembered that “we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12 NLT).  I am so glad for the word of God and each day I’m learning more and more how to let the Word do the work in my life.  I can use clichés and empty words to promote “love” and “teamwork” but at the end of the day it is the word of God that will surely stand the test of time and stand up to any opposing forces at work in and around me.

There are two specific instances that I’ve struggled to address and have the “final say” in this week and as I pray, the peace comes in recognizing that silence is the best answer for the problems I face today.  Pride says “don’t let them make you the fall guy” and un-forgiveness says “don’t waste your time, let them know they’ve hurt you one time too many and you’re done trying to make amends.”  But the sweet communion with the Holy Spirit says, “He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth.” (Isaiah 53:7 NLT)

And so the weight of trials that beat upon me is not lifted because I’m speaking up but rather because I’m remaining silent.  Be careful how the enemy tempts you to address every matter and stick your neck out to be chopped off by those closest often bearing the title-family, friend, sister, teammate, etc. Consider this posture-Head Up! Chest Out! Feet Forward! Mouth Closed!

Hold your peace.  Trust the Lord to fight your battle.  And then, embrace the victory that’s already promised to be yours!