Take up our positions, stand still and see …………
For the past month, I have been following Euro 2012, savoring the different brand of football by different European countries. From the “tiki taka” of Spain to the Dutch “total football” (though it didn’t work this time), or the German “non-fancy but efficient” style and the long balls of the English, I love to pay special attention on tactics and positions adopted by the various teams; a second nature to me. “The guy is a strategist,” Aunty Harriet once said about me.
Last week, during my alone time with God, He led me to 2 Chronicles 20:17, “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand still and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.” This was what the Spirit of the LORD said to King Jehoshaphat before He led Judah to victory over Moab and Ammon.
As we lead His people, the LORD reminded me of three things: have the right conviction, the right action and the right emotion. The right conviction is to know that the battle belongs to the Lord. We will not have to fight this battle. God has shown me over and over again that He alone brings revival, success and fruitfulness among His people.
The right action is to position ourselves and be still before God. This brings about a balance between the need to organize and strategize and to also recognize that there is only so much that we can do. With our limited resources, we take up our positions, stand still and we wait. Unless God shows up, nothing will happen. Rick Warren, in his book, “Purpose Driven Church” illustrates this truth by looking at a surfer who prepares and positions himself at sea. Nothing will happen unless the waves show up. And when they do, he will ride them.
The right emotion is to be fearless, knowing that God is with us. There have been some changes in Bangsar Gospel Centre and today there is yet another change in our church life. A big change indeed! When Joshua stepped into the shoes left by Moses, he had to hear these same words from our LORD, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go,” before he went into the promised land.
Where do we go from here? As much as we organize ourselves and take up our positions, we continue to pray, “O LORD, many things about tomorrow, we don’t seem to know and understand, but we know who holds tomorrow and we certainly know who holds our hands.”
by Francis Dunn on behalf of the Elders
Bangsar Gospel Centre 