Battle of the Will
By Colleen Swindoll Thompson
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 of mine: holding on to resentment, allowing frustration to overwhelm me, wishing for something easier, wondering why trials continue, and missing my 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.
So, let me ask you again: 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 my complaint is bitter;
[God’s] hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.
If only I knew where to find him . . .
I would state my case before him
and fill my mouth with arguments. (Job 23:2–4 NIV)
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 knows the way that I take; / when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold” (23:10 NIV).
Would you like to find peace and “come forth as gold”? If so, when your battles rage, take these encouragements to heart:
- Examine your soul by truthfully naming your battle
- Express your battles continually to God
- 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.
Copyright © 2010 by Insight for Living Ministries. All rights reserved worldwide.
About the author
Colleen Swindoll Thompson
Colleen Swindoll Thompson holds a bachelor of arts degree in Communication from Trinity International University as well as minors in psychology and education. Colleen serves as the director of Reframing Ministries at Insight for Living Ministries. From the personal challenges of raising a child with disabilities (her son Jonathan), Colleen offers help, hope, and a good dose of humor through speaking, writing, and counseling those affected by disability. Colleen and her husband, Toban, have five children and reside in Frisco, Texas.
