"I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God." Luke 1:19
What a way to introduce yourself.
Gabriel, messenger for God. Gabriel, who brought the news of the coming Messiah. Gabriel, warrior and angelic being. How does he choose to introduce himself?
He just stands next to God.
Just stands.
Allow me a soft laugh. "Just." It makes it sound like a simple task.
But standing is hard.
Standing is being present, but not yet participating.
Standing is having every attention and energy at the ready, or else your place is lost.
Standing is not moving too soon, or else the force and speed that, in a second, will be cheered and encouraged, will instead be the disqualifying move.
That moment before the gun sounds.
The second preceding momentum.
Baited breath.
Coiled muscles.
There's nothing relaxed about waiting.
In concluding a letter laced with discovering our identity and the keys to living as Christ's witnesses, Paul describes the clothing that must be worn:
A belt.
A breastplate.
A shield.
A helmet.
A sword.
Truth.
Righteousness.
Faith.
Salvation.
Holy Spirit.
Feet fitted with readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. From head to toe, equipped with battle armor. Ready for anything. Perfectly fitted for engaging in combat.
And what are we, fully outfitted, told to do?
Stand.
"Therefore put on the full armor of God, that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm, then..." Ephesians 6:13-14a
Not "go into battle."
Stand.
Not "conquer the land."
Stand.
Not "be a mighty warrior."
Stand.
Oh, but standing is hard.
When all the battle is raging in my ears and running before my eyes and my mind is as fast and restless as both senses. When everyone is watching and waiting and I feel like the decision needs to be made soon, or else I certainly will miss the window.
Just stand.
Just.
So now I find myself asking, "Gabriel, what is your secret?"
To stand in the very presence of God - every secret laid bare!
To stand and not flee - anywhere on earth would be easier!
To stand and take it all in without exploding - what capacity is required!
To stand in patience.
To stand in perpetual readiness.
To stand with eager ears, but not a bitter heart.
You must trust Him a lot.
Trust that His timing is perfect.
Trust that His ways are always good.
Trust that His judgment will triumph.
Trust that His action will be sufficient.
Trust that just standing is actually a beautiful place to be.
