When taking a stand looks like kneeling

A few weeks ago I wrote a blog entitled, Standing Up When Everyone Else Is Sitting Down. I had proposed a challenge to take a stand on the issues of our day—as the Lord leads, no matter what others are (or are not) doing.

What does standing actually look like though? What is our most effective position for our heart, soul, and mind, when facing the injustices and painful realities of our world? Could it be that in order to stand, we have to kneel?

I say yes. When we adopt this position, we invite from the Lord His transforming power. We say to Him, “Not my will, Father, but yours be done!” So what happens when taking a stand actually looks like kneeling?

1. We recognize our dependence on God and proclaim our desperation for Him. When we humble ourselves and honestly acknowledge our deep dependence on the Lord, He hears our cry, and we are free to be who He created us to be, worshipers of Him only. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
2. We turn from our own strength and rely only on Him. We often make every effort to overcome challenging circumstances on our own, rather than turn to the Lord, our true source of strength. He either is our strength…or He isn’t. Whose strength are you relying on today? (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
3. We place our trust in God, even as our humanity screams, “Don’t do it!” Once you experience true freedom from self and self-effort, you will never let go of this treasure called trust! Laying everything down before the Lord is what He desires more than anything. Have you tasted of this treasure and freedom? (Proverbs 3:5)
4. We become eyewitnesses to His activity. There is nothing more satisfying than watching God work, and knowing that you were invited to take part. Our souls were made for this profound divine/human cooperative. Once you see Him work, you hunger for more, even as you become more satisfied by Him. You will begin to anticipate seeing God work each and every day. (Psalm 26:7)
5. We experience a deeper fulfillment from Him than if we worked in our own strength. Jesus understood this; He was always receiving strength from His Father, and directing all attention to Him. Enjoying the Lord and receiving His bounty…it’s what we were created for! (Jeremiah 31:14b)

Isn’t it just like God to increase your position as you choose to decrease your stature? So take a stand today, even (and especially!) when no one else is standing. It’s what you were made to do. Just don’t forget to scuff your knees in the process.