By: Juliet Constantine
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven:” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
King Solomon was ‘right on the money’ when he said there was a time for everything under heaven. Yes, everything has its time and place. So, why do we worry and stress? Neither good times nor bad times will last forever - they all have their seasons. Everything is just for a time. Knowing how to condition our minds to ‘go with the flow’ will add to our peace. It becomes easier to understand what Jesus meant when He said, “Do not worry”.
There is no need to fight every battle. Be the peacekeeper and let some battles pass you by. You can run from some or you can hide yourself. Knowing when to walk away, when to turn the other cheek, or when to stand like the brave will be crucial in our relationships and will prolong your life. Others may see it as cowardice, lack of faith, or may even view you as a nerd. But ‘standing up’ to defend yourself isn’t always the right choice. No brave soldier fights every battle. Like some brave warriors in the Bible, sometimes you’ve got to run and take cover. You will live to fight again.
Elijah was a no nonsense prophet who normally acted just as God commanded him; but, there was an instance when He didn’t wait to hear from God. He ran for his life. He had just experienced a great faith moment when in answer to pray, God accepted his offering. Soon came the people’s acknowledgment that God is the only true God. Later, the impregnated clouds gave way to an abundance of rain that was absent for three years. Elijah killed hundreds of false prophets that day; yet a few hours later, he ran from the threat of one woman. Why didn’t he stand and fight? We are told it was fear for his life why he ran. Whatever went through his head, he chose not to fight that battle. And there are others like him. David, the brave warrior of God, slew Goliath the giant. He had many victories as he slew thousands of Philistines. Yet, when King Saul tried to kill him, he ran and hid himself.
In our lives we too will encounter many conflicts. It is inevitable and necessary. It’s a part of life – no one is exempted. There will be conflict in the home, on the job or at school, in our church, and in our society. Conflict arises because we are different. We do not think alike, nor do we see things the same way. Hence, this difference sometimes breeds conflict due to misunderstanding. Knowing how to resolve our conflicts, knowing when to walk away and when to run, is vital to our survival.
We should avoid conflict as far as it lies in our power to do so. However, since they will arise, we should be the Christian and speak our truth calmly and clearly. Sometimes, we may need to give up our rights for peace’s sake. Always remember this one thing: see the devil as the true enemy and the instigator behind the conflict, and not the person with whom you have the misunderstanding.
Most importantly, we should commit our ways to God and allow Him to lead and direct our lives. For all encounters, pleasant and unpleasant ones, let’s ask ourselves the question: What would Jesus do? How would He handle the matter? We can be assured that we will receive an immediate answer. Listen for the response because His promise is certain:
“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21)
The Holy Spirit promised that He “will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Let Jesus fight your battles for you. Sometimes it’s best to walk away or run.
Our Father in Heaven, Your thoughts aren’t our thoughts, nor Your ways our ways. You know what’s best. Please help us to accept that there is a time and place for everything. Please lead and direct us to make the best decisions to please You—we pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)
