The battle is Yours, Lord. It is Your battle. I lean on You. I give You all my weapons, all my skills, and I stand before You, trusting You.” – Chuck Swindoll

One of my anchor prayers used to be: “Lord, give me the right words to say.” Whether I was headed into a meeting at work, navigating a tough conversation with friends or family, or dealing with conflict, that was my go-to. At the time, it felt like a good and godly prayer.

But then God revealed something deeper: I was still relying on me. Communication is one of my strengths, and without realizing it, I was asking God to strengthen me in my way instead of surrendering to His way. I thought I was doing the right thing, but I hadn’t actually laid it down.

Now, my prayer has shifted: Less of me, more of You. Inspired by the gospel song by Earnest Pugh, I Need Your Glory, and rooted in John 3:30 — “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

When I rely on my own strength, I bring all my stuff with me , insecurities, resentment, pride, trauma. But when I give God my strength, He doesn’t just refine it , He replaces it. And in that space, there’s room for His wisdom, His power, His glory.

It’s a subtle shift, but it changes everything.

“All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”
— 1 Samuel 17:47 NIV

Words are my weapon , my strength and sometimes my crutch. I’ve been known to speak without thinking or to say the right thing with the wrong tone. But God is teaching me that my sword isn’t what brings victory.

“I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame.”
— Psalm 44:6–7 NIV

So now, I lay down my bow. I surrender my sword. I choose to fight differently ,not with sharp words, cleverness, or control but, with faith, surrender, and trust in the One who never loses a battle.

Because when the battle is His, the victory is already won.