The lady with the full shopping cart who cuts in front of you in the grocery line. The boss who takes credit for your hard work. The soccer coach who sidelines your child for more than her fair share of the game.
Life presents lots of situations when we lose what’s rightfully ours. The human instinct is to fight for what we’ve lost. But what does God want us to do?
Several thousand years ago, Isaac built a well in the desert. His neighbors took it. He moved away and built another. His neighbors took that one too. He had every right to be upset and fight for that well.
He didn’t. Isaac moved away and built another well.
This time no one took it. This time the leader of the enemy acknowledged, “‘We saw clearly that the Lord was with you’” (Gen. 26:28), and he begged for a peace treaty.
Ironically, by backing down, Isaac won. By refusing to fight, Isaac gained peace. By trusting God to provide, Isaac allowed God’s glory to shine through.
Perhaps Jesus knew what He was talking about when He said, “‘Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also’” Matthew 6:39.
Of course, this is much easier to say than to do. How can you implement this concept today?
Sarah, the peace concept is one we all yearn for yet fear and anger are primal reactions to most confrontation. I guess I am old enough to know you do not know how you will react until you are faced with a dilemna (particularly when it involves your loved ones!). Perhaps as I get even older I will reach the wisdom plateau necessary...
ReplyDeleteGod is good (and lucky for me, He is patient!)
Blessings,
Noelle - I found this concept easier to grasp when I was younger, and find it soooo much more difficult now. I just have to keep returning to it.
ReplyDeleteWhen Dave and I moved into our house we were warned about the neighbors to our north by the neighbors to our south. Our north neighbors bullied the entire cul-de-sac. This was the very reason why the former owners of our home moved. Sure enough things were done to our property to let us know who ruled the roost on our street. We decided to apply the very Biblical principle of which you wrote about. We didn't say a word when cigarettes were thrown into our backyard or the teenaged kids played music with four letter words blaring into our windows. Because we said nothing they decided to like us. God ways are the best ways. They are now our very best neighbors!
ReplyDeleteI should add that there were many times when I did NOT grasp the concept during this very long struggle. My children were watching me and how I would respond. I had to often ask the Lord for strength to react in a way that would be honoring to Him because there were times when I did not respond (in my heart) the way I should. I will be so glad when we are on the other side of heaven and sin is abolished once and for all!
ReplyDeleteBacking down is very difficult. we learned this lesson while stationed in Germany. We were accused of some terrible things but in order to win we had to accept defeat. My husband lost his career in the end but because we were willing to lose we won a new town, a home of our own, and a great church. Sometimes to get where God wants you to be you have to be willing to lose a battle. Did my husband do what he was accused of? Of corse not but in the end, God made it so it didn't matter.
ReplyDelete