“Fight your battles on your knees.”
I have been privileged to sit under Dr. Charles Stanley’s teaching at First Baptist Atlanta for the past 16 years. This quote is one of “30 Life Principles” that he wrote, all based on Scriptures and his life experiences as a Christian for over 70 years.
I was reminded of that principle this morning during my morning walk. Both my children have recently had some bad experiences with friends who have proven to be unfaithful.
As my teenage daughter shared some of her struggles with me, I thought about my own battles as a teenager. I remember feeling left out, less than, as some girls who I thought were my friends isolated me or betrayed my trust. I remembered the hurt, pain, and how much it affected my self-esteem.
As I started thinking about how I could help, how I should put on the Super Mom cape and do something to rescue and vindicate my child, I heard this tested and proven “Life Principle” ringing in my heart. While thinking about what I should do, God reminded me of the many battles he has fought for me when I did not lean on my own understanding, and, instead of taking matters into my own feeble hands, simply prayed.
I just finished studying the book of Joshua again. Although I have read Joshua’s last words to the Israelites several times before, they echoed in my heart in a fresh way this morning. Just before Joshua breathed his last, he assembled the people to remind them of the faithfulness and power of their God.
He reminded them that it wasn’t their weapons that won battles against much stronger people as they entered the Promise Land. It certainly wasn’t Israel who defeated Egypt, the greatest army of their time. It wasn’t by their own hard labor that manna fell from the heavens every morning for 40 years. It was because, even though they turned from God and rebelled time and again, he was always faithful to forgive, protect, provide and defend them, every time their leaders prayed.
As I reflected on what made Israel a great nation, and the many times God came to her rescue, I couldn’t help but 
smile. Because I have seen the same sovereign hand in my life, time and again. As a teenager, when I felt betrayed and lonely, it seems as if God would always send me a better friend. When I moved 6,000 miles away from home, leaving behind my country, my entire family and friends, I prayed and watched God’s faithful hands planting new, wonderful people in my life.
As I reflected on these and other times, when I watched God act on my behalf, even when all hope and material resources were gone, I realized that one thing indeed stood above all else: I have always fought the fiercest, yet most successful battles on my knees, in submission and humble prayer.
And so I decided to pack my Super Mom cape, and chose instead to spend the rest of my morning walk praying for my children. As I came back home, my heart was full of confidence on the lesson I would convey to them. Instead of coaching them on what to do or how to respond to their enemies, I chose to spend some time reminding them of our pastor’s tested and proven principle: Before you do anything, say anything, or choose any weapon and tactics to battle against those who wrong you, remember — fight your battles on your knees. For God will always be our defender and mighty warrior, so long as we choose to obey his word, and trust his mighty hand.
[bctt tweet=”Before chosing a weapon to battle against your enemies, remember: you fight best on your knees. http://bit.ly/2abOUkK” username=”PatHolbrook”]
Patricia Holbrook is a Christian author, blogger and International speaker. Her Book Twelve Inches is on sale at Barnes & Nobles, Amazon and retailers worldwide. Visit her website www.soaringwithHim.com. Email pholbrook@soaringwithHim.com
Yes and amen! I tend to try things on my own, in my own strength. Once I have failed once, twice, maybe many times, I then have this amazing thought that maybe, just maybe, God can handle this. I am getting better at releasing the battle to Him. He is so much better at this and I am learning! Thanks.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
We are all works in progress, Linda! I have to constantly “sit on my hands”, cause my fleshly tendency is to “do something about it now”. But, like you, I thank God that He is teaching me to release things to His (much more capable) hands. Blessings and thanks for stopping by!!
Yes and amen! I tend to try things on my own, in my own strength. Once I have failed once, twice, maybe many times, I then have this amazing thought that maybe, just maybe, God can handle this. I am getting better at releasing the battle to Him. He is so much better at this and I am learning! Thanks.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
We are all works in progress, Linda! I have to constantly “sit on my hands”, cause my fleshly tendency is to “do something about it now”. But, like you, I thank God that He is teaching me to release things to His (much more capable) hands. Blessings and thanks for stopping by!!
Patricia – Yes, you are so right on …. God is way better at fighting the battles than any of us – He is especially way better than I am. God is most certainly our defender, strong tower, shield and strength! I am so glad that I had the opportunity to find you blog today since we are neighbors at #TestimonyTuesday and #RaRaLinkup
So glad you stopped by! Thank you for commenting and encouraging me today. Blessings!!
Patricia – Yes, you are so right on …. God is way better at fighting the battles than any of us – He is especially way better than I am. God is most certainly our defender, strong tower, shield and strength! I am so glad that I had the opportunity to find you blog today since we are neighbors at #TestimonyTuesday and #RaRaLinkup
So glad you stopped by! Thank you for commenting and encouraging me today. Blessings!!
Hands off and hands up – I’ve learned that’s the most successful way to intercede for my boys. I wish I had understood this when I was much younger, but God taught me about it at just the right time! God’s “meddling” is so much more successful than mine!
Amen!!! I’m still learning… hoping by the time they’re married and have their own children, I will have been a good example of “letting go and letting God”. God bless you. So glad you stopped by !
Hands off and hands up – I’ve learned that’s the most successful way to intercede for my boys. I wish I had understood this when I was much younger, but God taught me about it at just the right time! God’s “meddling” is so much more successful than mine!
Amen!!! I’m still learning… hoping by the time they’re married and have their own children, I will have been a good example of “letting go and letting God”. God bless you. So glad you stopped by !
Patricia, this is powerful! I think many of us have to learn this lesson the hard way, after striving to fight ourselves. This truth has been an invaluable lesson for me, particularly in my marriage. It takes great intention to fight our human tendencies and turn things over to God, but He will not rest until it is complete. I’d love for you to share our heart and message on Fresh Market Friday Link-Up…such a perfect fit! Crystal~
Patricia, this is powerful! I think many of us have to learn this lesson the hard way, after striving to fight ourselves. This truth has been an invaluable lesson for me, particularly in my marriage. It takes great intention to fight our human tendencies and turn things over to God, but He will not rest until it is complete. I’d love for you to share our heart and message on Fresh Market Friday Link-Up…such a perfect fit! Crystal~
Thank you for reminding us of this great truth of strength. I needed to hear it today while working with many contractors. He is still God! Amen.
Praise God for His perfect timing!! God bless you!
Thank you for reminding us of this great truth of strength. I needed to hear it today while working with many contractors. He is still God! Amen.
Praise God for His perfect timing!! God bless you!
Oh how much I needed to hear this. And my 13 year old struggles too. I know, I, first need to be the example so that my light shines and she will see how Mommy allows God to take control of the situation. In the end it is truly not our battle but God’s.
Amen, Marie! It’s soooo hard to see them hurting, or heading for trouble, and feel like our hands are tied, isn’t it? It’s so much easier when they are little and we can just tell them what to do! I am grateful that this post encouraged you, sister. Just keep putting those knees on the floor and praying. God is faithful and will honor your example and prayers!
Oh how much I needed to hear this. And my 13 year old struggles too. I know, I, first need to be the example so that my light shines and she will see how Mommy allows God to take control of the situation. In the end it is truly not our battle but God’s.
Amen, Marie! It’s soooo hard to see them hurting, or heading for trouble, and feel like our hands are tied, isn’t it? It’s so much easier when they are little and we can just tell them what to do! I am grateful that this post encouraged you, sister. Just keep putting those knees on the floor and praying. God is faithful and will honor your example and prayers!
Such a powerful lesson, Patricia. Our best hope of victory does come from submitting to God and allowing Him to fight our battles.
I really feel for your girls, too, as I remember those often sad and confusing teen years. May God give them peace and comfort.
Blessings!
Thank you, Martha… Thank God that they know Jesus and their identity is on Him. I didn’t grown up with that sweet assurance. What a difference it makes! God bless you!
Such a powerful lesson, Patricia. Our best hope of victory does come from submitting to God and allowing Him to fight our battles.
I really feel for your girls, too, as I remember those often sad and confusing teen years. May God give them peace and comfort.
Blessings!
Thank you, Martha… Thank God that they know Jesus and their identity is on Him. I didn’t grown up with that sweet assurance. What a difference it makes! God bless you!