When I taught fifth grade science, we did a unit on energy. I always enjoyed one particular lesson. I had fun putting a rubber band on each student desk and asking them to just look at it. Just a mangy old rubber band. Nothing to see here. Then, to their delight, I’d ask them to pick it up, stretch it, and aim it at a target I’d set up. (NO! Not your neighbor!!)
Here’s when the lesson really began. While they held the stretched rubber band at the ready, I explained the definition of potential energy. Then, of course, we counted down and shot the bands (with a prayer on my part that no eyes were put out) and the lesson concluded with defining kinetic energy – what moves the band through the air and to the target. Fun.
The difference between the desk-bound, untouched rubber band, the stretched one, and the soaring one has captured my thinking of late. Which state of the rubber band holds the most power? Certainly, a case can be made that the airborne band launched with glee and moving freely through the air is expending its energy and has the most power. But let’s leave the rubber bands on the desk for a moment and talk about people.
The Bible tells us to put on the full armor of God: helmet, breastplate, belt, shield, sword, good shoes. That seems to me a great deal of potential energy, stretched and ready. But what comes next in Ephesians 6 is the surprise. After carefully dressing and arming oneself, the next bit should be what my 5th graders wanted, the unleashing of the power. I’m dressed in armor for heaven’s sake (literally), now let’s go kick some…
Nope. That’s not what comes next. The next sentence is the mandate. “Stand.” That’s it. Stand. Stand your ground. Be strong as you stand. Pray and be alert. Don’t shoot that band, just hold the power. What? I didn’t get all dressed up just to stand here! I want blood, battle, triumph. What good is power if I can’t use it?
I’m working through all the ramifications of this, but one thing I’ve come to understand recently – sometimes it takes more power, faith, and submission to the Lord to stand still. Waiting patiently for God to act is a strong, powerful choice. 2 Chronicles 20:15 says it best. “This is what the LORD says to you: ’Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.’”
