You Have the Right To Remain Silent

 "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Exodus 14:14

There are often times in life when we are handed an injustice or an unfair decision. This can present itself in many forms and often comes from someone in a place of authority over us. How we respond to the authority reveals much about where we place our trust. When treated unfairly or told to do something we know is not in the best interest of all involved, we want to rage against the "establishment." 

Yes, we have the right to speak our mind. Yes, we have the right to fight against wrongs. Yes, we have a voice to be heard. However, we also have the right to remain silent. In fact, we are told in scripture there are times when it is appropriate to keep our mouths closed and our opinions to ourselves. God is our vindicator. He will fight for us. 

I recently witnessed this type of situation. A court order was given regarding visitation with a child and the custodial parent was threatened with contempt of court if they did not take the child to the court ordered visitations. The parent knew their child was being placed in an unhealthy environment during these visitations. Yet, they felt there was not much recourse since it was something ordered by the authority, the courts. With much stress and concern, they obeyed the court order. The parent had to trust God to protect this child while they were out of their care. 

After several months, the custodial parent was contacted by child services and informed an investigation was being made into the home of the non-custodial parent. The custodial parent never had to say a word to anyone regarding the concerns for their child. While they were obeying the authorities and spending time in prayer every time the child was away, God was at work in ways the parent could not see. 

How many times has this happened in your life? When things that are wrong happen in your life, how do you respond? Do you resolve to take matters into your own hands and blatantly disrespect the authority over you? Or do you trust God to do His job? Do you believe that all things will eventually be revealed? The authority can be a parent, a boss, or a ministry leader. Are you willing to submit to the authority God has placed in your life and give God the chance to work on your behalf? 

If there is an area in your life that causes you to rage or lose sleep, perhaps it is time to lay it down and allow God to fight for you. Stop fighting battles that are not yours to carry.