Do you remember the game tug of war? The object of the game was to pull the team on the other end of the rope onto your side. It took strength, determination and the power of team working together to order to win the game. As I thought about the dynamics of the game and how it's played, it occurred to me, that life is also a tug of war.
When life feels like a tug of war
Everyday we're faced with problems, challenges and situations that tug at us to give in and accept the sting of defeat. The word defeat means the failure to win or succeed, but it also means to overcome, thwart or frustrate a plan of attack. So can defeat be a positive experience? If so how can that be?
Pick your battles
You don't show up for every battle you're invited to. Sometimes the best way to defeat an enemy is to not engage them in battle, which means are times we shouldn't get involved in certain issues or problems. Why? God didn't tell us to get involved, it's not our battle, we're not prepared for it or the consequences it may bring. It takes wisdom to know when to fight a battle and when not to.
Let the walls fall down
The biblical story about Jericho is a good example of knowing when and how to fight a battle. God directed them to use specific type of strategy. As a result, they frustrated the plans of their enemies, overcame them and won the battle. Sometimes what appears to look like defeat may be the very thing you need to win the battle your facing.
I Surrender
Surrender is a powerful form of warfare. It transfers the battle from our human efforts to a powerful and mighty God who knows has won every battle that will every be fought for our soul. When we seek God's will in this tug of war between good and evil, we can rest in knowing the battle belongs to the Lord and laying it at his feet is a form of surrender not defeat. I've learned this lesson through trial and error and more often than not surrender has been the key to victory.
Have you been in a battle that's left you tired and weary? Then pray this prayer and rest in knowing the battle belongs to the Lord.
Dear Lord, when the battles of life threaten to overwhelm me, help me to surrender them to you and believe that you'll work everything out for good. In Jesus name Amen!
By J. L Wallace
seen first on gracefulpen.org