“It’s not what happens to us, but how we react to it.”
When my pastor said those simple words yesterday, they resonated in my spirit because I have been a very reactionary person in the past. I don’t like to use the words, “I fight back”, but if so am being real with myself, then I could say, “Yep. I would definitely fight back.” Maybe not physically fight back, but I would be quick with my words and those can’t be erased.
Several years ago, God spoke to me so vividly about being still and being silent. It was a time in my life when I thought I needed to speak and God kept telling me through scripture, prayer and other people, “just chill, I got this.” Now, I don’t know how to chill. I am always on full throttle and wide open. I knew this would have to be done through Him, cause my personality just wouldn’t allow it! When you feel you need to react and God is saying, “Be still and be silent”, it was like putting my hand on a hot burner and saying, “Don’t scream”. I am not going to lie, it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do in my life.
Fast forward to today as I am sitting at my kitchen table, drinking my coffee and reading my Bible, God led me back to a scripture in my notes from yesterday:
“For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.” Ephesians 6:12
Now, I’m sure you may be going what does this scripture have to do with being still? How can you go to battle against evil without moving and without words? Read it again…
Our battle isn’t with flesh and blood or the things of this world. We are fighting a spiritual battle and the weapons of this natural world will NOT work. No matter how hard you try, they are no match for God. But even better, you are equipped with some of the finest weapons and armor in the spiritual world to combat any evil that comes against you! We have the armor of God that stands against the tactics and tricks of the devil. We have so much untapped power within because of the Holy Spirit, yet on most days we choose to fight spiritual battles in natural ways. Listen…just because anger, hate and hurt are manifested through words and actions of a person doesn’t mean they are from the natural. It is a condition of the soul…the heart. It’s an issue within their spirit. Because of that, we can’t fight back within our own strength and arsenal of weapons…they just won’t work and will not represent the Holy Spirit living within us.
I know what you’re wondering…did being still actually work in your situation, Ashlee?
Absolutely.
I can look back and see the hand of God’s protection through each and every situation where He commanded me to “Be still”. He was fighting for me…and me fighting back would have only made the situation worse. I chose how I would react based on my relationship with God, not on my feelings. That will win a battle every time. When you trust Him to fight for you, there are no words to take back, no hurt feelings to mend and no actions that you will regret.
Don’t try to fight back against the evil you are facing with the things of this world. Don’t let your flesh get the best of you. Ask your Heavenly Father for guidance and the understanding on what you need to do for your own battle against the darkness. You will win the battle…remember the war has already been won. The devil has already been defeated and he has no control over you.
You are a mighty warrior for the cause of Christ, clothed in the armor of God. You can’t control what happens in this natural world, but with the Holy Spirit, we can control how we react.