Stand Still and See

 

Whether we realize it or not, we are engaged in a battle. The battle is with an unseen enemy, and it attacks in an unconventional way. Our first reaction is to fight. Go against the enemy with all barrels blazing while trying to shield the most vulnerable. How can we best win?

God shows us throughout Scripture with the largest battles that Israel faced. What did Moses tell the children of Israel when they were facing the Red Sea in front of them and Pharaoh's army bearing down on them from behind? Exodus 14:13 says, “Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today.”

When Gideon and his army were facing the Midianites, Gideon told them in 2 Chronicles 20:17, “You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.”

Again, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. I am not saying we should not do anything. In each of these scenarios, God required them to do something. Moses had to use his staff. The children of Israel had to step into the Red Sea. Gideon had to reduce his troops, and his army had to blow their trumpets and yell. Action must occur.

Along with that, stillness must occur within each of us. We must be still for God to do His work in and through us. In Numbers 9:8, Moses again tells the children of Israel, “Stand still, that I may hear what the Lord will command concerning you.” He needed them to stand still so he could hear direction from the Lord. In Psalm 46:10, we know that it says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Be still.

As we go along our way, please take time out to be still. Pray. Do as it says in Job 37:14, “Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God” or as it says in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Take some time and stand still.

Kaizen

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

I am blessed to be a Christian that happens to do Process Improvement. We often do focused, week long improvement events called Kaizens. Kaizen is a combo of two Japanese words - Kai which means change and Zen which means good. So Kaizen means change for the good or better.
This morning as we were winding up a kaizen week, this verse came to mind. When we make the decision to repent and trust Christ as Lord and Savior of our lives, He starts a kaizen event in our lives. Having Christ as Lord of our lives and the Holy Spirit as our guide, God changes us for the better.
As you go into your weekend, think about if you need a kaizen in your own life. Why not trust Christ today?

Prayer ADHD

Seriously, is anyone else with me on this? It seems there are days when we have so much going on that prayer time goes something like this:

“Father God, thank you for another day. You are so good, and I love you...I can’t forget to do the agenda for that meeting later in the week, and I need to follow up with Karen. The dishwasher needs run tonight. I forgot last night...so sorry, Lord. Please forgive my busy mind today...”

I’ll confess I’ve had more than my fair share of prayers go like that, even with so looking forward to prayer time. Even with knowing P.R.A.Y., which we discussed in previous posts. It is frustrating! Then, I started reading the book Fervent by Priscilla Shirer. She talks about writing down our prayers so we’ll remember and can record when prayer is answered. It was then that Holy Spirit asked, “Don’t you write out an agenda of items you want to make sure to discuss with your boss when you meet with him? Why not do that with Me to prepare for your time with The Lord?”

When Holy Spirit speaks, we should listen, so I tried it. It has been amazing because it gives quality time with both Holy Spirit and God. First, there is quiet time to listen for what Holy Spirit really wants you to pray about. This time can reveal hidden sin in your life, bring names to your remembrance of who most needs your intercession, time to reflect on who God is. For what do you want to praise Him? What needs surrendered in your life? Is there Scripture to pray? I jot this down in P.R.A.Y. format. This forms a prayer strategy so the Enemy cannot distract me. If I start to get prayer ADHD, I look to my prayer strategy to get back on track. It really has helped me. I pray it may help others as well.  Have a blessed day!