What I’m about to share, I’ve now shared in 4 churches since we have returned to Latvia. It has spoken to many people and has helped and encouraged them. It has proven to be a direct word that prompted them to take the next step in their lives. Maybe it will speak to some of you or someone you know.
As I was reflecting on my own letting go, my thoughts wandered to the Old Testament story of one of David’s mighty men. His name was Eleazer, the son of Dodo. It is a time of war and he rushed to the battle along with Israel. As the enemy rushed toward him in a field, Eleazer turned to see that all of Israel was fleeing to leave him to fight alone. First, we will all have battles that we will fight alone. It will seem like everyone else has run off or abandoned you, but in truth the battle is for you alone. You can win this battle, but not if you get angry and critically focused on the people not by your side. You will win this battle if focused on the real enemy. Eleazer, by himself and with his sword defeated an entire army. At the end of the battle, he was the only one left standing in the field. The war over, and there he stood.
Now imagine this! He is now the only one standing in what was the field of battle, but it is now the field of victory. There is no more battle to fight, and yet the sword is frozen in his hand. He had gripped that sword so tightly in the time of war. It was the only thing he had to hold onto in that season of battle. Without it he would have perished. But now the war is over and he can’t let go of it.
Imagine him turning to walk home, walking into a season of peace, holding onto that sword, dragging it along – the Bible tells us he had no strength in his arm. Imagine Eleazer trying to eat, or shower, brush his teeth, sleep, or live a new season with the sword.
I can’t prove this, but I can’t help but think that it is at this point his help comes. His battle is over and he’s won – and faithful God brings a friend to help pry, finger by finger, his hand off that sword so he could let go. Once Jesus fought a battle with the devil in the wilderness. When it was over the Bible tells us that the angels came and ministered to him. Sometimes we lack the strength to let go of something in our life – a hard season, challenging situation or event, a trial, a hurt or offense – we need to let go of, but we need help doing it.
Imagine a friend coming to Eleazer saying it’s time to let go of the sword. Was Eleazer still living for a fight? The fight had been so intense and real – can he really believe it’s over? Can he risk putting the sword down? Eleazer would have to decide to let go and receive that help and not reject it.
God does not keep us in fighting seasons of forever – He takes us from the battle and gives us seasons of rest too. Maybe for some – for you – you need someone to tell you that the season has changed – and help you let go.
It is true that letting go is sometimes related to good things like grown children moving forward in their lives; sometimes letting go is related to bad things like hurts or difficult situations where you held a sword. But when it’s time – letting go is always the good and right decision.
I believe that once your hand(s) are open and empty – God will have the opportunity to place something new in them. He is the giver of all good things! He can take us to a season of joy.
