Stand Firm

“By standing firm you will gain life.” – (Luke 21:19)  When I hear the words “stand firm“, I picture one setting their feet in ready position, knees bent, eyes forward, and their entire demeanor ready and at attention – set to take on anything that would come their way.  In the same way, we are meant to set ourselves securely in Christ, by faith, believing He is who He says He is, and taking on a posture that demonstrates we are convinced that it is the truth.  As we ready ourselves for whatever He asks, we “stand firm” in faith, and ultimately, gain eternal life with Christ.

“Stand firm” is a phrase that is repeated again and again throughout His word.  Some examples that further solidified my mental picture of what it is to “stand firm“, are as follow:  STAND FIRM

Exodus 14:13, 2 Chronicles 20:17 – to see deliverance

Psalm 20:8 – to rise up

Proverbs 10:25 – to weather the storm

Proverbs 12:7 – to withstand judgment

Isaiah 7:9 – to remain

Ezekiel 13:5 – in the battle

Matthew 10:22, 24:13, and Mark 13:13 – to be saved

So how are we to do this?  Seek.  Ask.  Listen.  Do.  However, in the meantime, there are scriptures that give us instruction.  These are a few:

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” – (I Corinthians 15:58)

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” – (I Corinthians 16:13)

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – (Galatians 5:1)

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place…” – (Ephesians 6:14)

Stand firm in the faith,

let life not dismay;

for in Him, is strength,

He’ll show us the way.

Let’s be on our guard,

so we can stand firm;

courageous and strong,

in His truth we’ve learned.

Work unto the Lord,

don’t give into sin;

in storms, be not moved,

God’s greater within.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You do not just tell us to stand firm, but You instruct us, equip us, and walk beside us – holding us up when we are unable to stand steady.  Thank You that the reward for standing firm, far outweighs the cost.  Forgive us for attempting to stand in our own strength, or for stepping back because it all seems too difficult.  Teach us how to trust You more, and help us live out our days standing firm in our faith.  May many be moved to trust in You, as they see Your love and light in us.  Be glorified in all that we say and do.  Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.