Some people are just contrary, stubborn, and mean. You could stand on your head all day trying to resolve an issue and it wouldn’t work. Because they’re not willing. Maybe they don’t care. Maybe they don’t see their error. Maybe they refuse to admit something. But ultimately, it’s on them. You’ve tried. You’ve prayed. But nothing is working. Sound familiar? It should. It’s part of the human landscape. There will always be someone or many someones who don’t want to restore a broken relationship or fix a broken issue. So, what do you do?
It seems to me that there are times when all you can do is “stand.” That sounds pretty futile. It isn’t. Standing is actually an action word. You actively stand…on your principles…on your integrity…on your clear conscious…on your actions directed at restoring the situation. Interesting to me are Paul’s words describing spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:10-13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Curious phrase “and after you have done everything, to stand.” It is true that not every situation will get resolved. You may have to live with that. The reality is there is real evil out there. But, make sure the accusation is not lobbed in your direction, “You didn’t do all you could do to restore this.”