God Will Fight for Us: When Seeking Justice Looks Like Being Still
By Rachel Baker
God's Brave Women - Rachel's Story
I’ve always had a deep sense of justice. Even as a little girl an injustice would move me to action.
If I felt that a friend in class were being overlooked, I’d advocate on their behalf. If one of my sisters were being bullied, I had no problem facing down their assailant even if they were twice my size—which was often the case. In high school gym class I remember a girl throwing a basketball at my best friend’s head, all 98-pounds of my justice-seeking fury was unleashed on this unsuspecting attacker. Justice, or my deep need for justice, has been my life-long companion.
As an adult, a woman leading other women in ministry and a pastor’s wife, I still have a deep hunger for justice. When I see women in my ministry who have endured a life-time of abuse, or an unfaithful spouse, or the struggle of walking their children through a health issue, I have no problem dropping to my knees and crying out in prayer on their behalf. “Fix it, God!” I’ll plead. On their behalf, I want healing, restoration, protection and of course, most of all, justice.
This deep desire for justice can be a beautiful thing, however, I’m learning that it can have a dark shadow-side as well.
"This deep desire for justice can be a beautiful thing, however, I’m learning that it can have a dark shadow-side as well."
A couple years ago, my husband and I walked through an incredibly difficult ministry season. Our names were dragged through the mud, our character attacked and false-narratives were spread. Everything in my flesh wanted to fight back, set the record straight, correct the narrative and protect myself and my family. I wanted justice. My deep need for justice became an issue of vengeance. How easily I fell into sin, my mind became a battlefield and my heart became as hard as a rock.