So which is it? Did we accomplish something, or did He do something for us?

When reading through Isaiah, I found it fascinating to notice God’s promises to act in power juxtaposed with His promises to empower us.

God unequivocally states that He will deal with the rulers of this world who stand in opposition to Him and threaten His children. “…He blows on them, and they wither, and the tempest carries them off like stubble…Why do you say, O Jacob, ‘…My right is disregarded by my God?’ …Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary…” (Isaiah 40:24,27-28).

“He tramples kings underfoot; he makes them like dust with his sword, like driven stubble with his bow….Who has performed and done this…? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he… I am the one who helps you, declares the LORD; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 41:2,4,14)

Watch out, evil principalities and arrogant powers. He blows on you like papery chaff driven by the wind, and you are history.

But the way in which He disposes of them is epic. In the very next sentence of Isaiah 40, “He gives power to the faint” (Isaiah 40:29). And continuing the passage in Isaiah 41, “Behold, I will make you into a new threshing sledge with sharp teeth; you shall thresh the mountains and beat them small, and make the hills like chaff. You will winnow them and the wind will carry them away…” (vs. 15-16).

Don’t worry, Jacob. I’ll get ‘em. I’ll make YOU a threshing sledge.

He determines to make peace for us. He does all the work, because He has all the power—especially when the blockage to peace is bigger than we are.

But He involves us. He lets us accomplish what He has determined and done. He makes us into the instrument/tool/implement that brings about what He wanted to give us.

We not only get the product of peace; He makes us part of the process we are the beneficiaries of.

On one hand, we are not merely spectators in this great peace He makes. The significance of our involvement is cause for great dignity. And on the other hand, we’d be silly to have a big head about it.

I think of the great story, whether truth or fiction doesn’t matter, of the little boy who sneaked onstage and, to his parents’ horror, began plunking “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” on the concert piano.

The maestro came up behind him, whispering, “Don’t stop.” He placed his large and powerful hands on the keys around the child. They stunned the audience with the beautiful music.

Our God invites us into a similar duet. A beautiful, synchronized partnership. His power, His peace, His skill. And all we have accomplished, He has done for us.