Battle of the Will
What battles are you fighting today? I’m not referring to those we read or hear about in the news. I mean the wars that rage inside you—which ones are you fighting today? Here are some that some hold on to: resentment, allowing frustration to overwhelm them, wishing for something easier, wondering why trials continue, and missing personal freedoms.
Painful or pressing conditions quickly reveal our internal battles. These struggles are not usually between what is good or bad, right or wrong, but between our desires and God’s will. As hard as it is to admit, the battles that rage within are often caused by our willfulness. What God has allowed for us often conflicts with our heart’s desire.
What battle are you facing today? Are you envious of another’s roomy schedule, jealous of someone’s financial success, or afraid of being misunderstood or judged? Whatever conflict you face, choose to believe that Christ is sovereign and good and faithful, despite your circumstances. It’s not an easy choice because it involves the resignation of your will, but it’s the choice of faith because it says: “I believe God’s plan for my life is perfect and right, though the sorrow remains.”
Job was candid with his own painful war of the will. Listen and you can hear the battle rage in his life,
Even today is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning. Oh that I knew where I might find Him: that I might come even to His seat! I would order my cause before Him, and fill my mouth with arguments. (Job 23:2–4)
Job’s pain was so awful; his view, so human. I don’t know how long Job had to fight this battle, but somewhere between these verses and what follows in verse 10, Job found peace: “But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10).
Would you like to find peace and “come forth as gold”? If so, when your battles rage, take these encouragements to heart:
1. Examine your soul by truthfully naming your battle.
2. Express your battles continually to God.
3. Surrender your will to God’s faithful and sovereign will for your life.
As I have examined my soul and expressed my frustrations and resentments, God has filled me with His peace and His strength to accept His direction throughout life.
