Stand

When the enemy is raging . . . Stand!

He is a defeated foe.

Often I feel like I am the one defeated . . . in so many ways. Some situations are challenging and never easy.

And I want easy. Honestly, my flesh desires uncomplicated and easy.

But “the challenge” is what I need because it reveals my selfishness and sinful heart by how I choose to respond to many issues. “The challenge” is good for me! It demands things that help me grow as I learn to lay down my pride and selfishness, asking God to replace them with humility and love.

Some relationships and situations in our lives are just hard. It’s easy to get discouraged and want to give up. But we can’t give up or give in.

It is always to soon to give up.

I won’t. I will stand.

Trusting in the strength and provision of Jesus Christ.

I will stand in prayer against the enemy- who is a liar and deceiver. He has been defeated by the blood of Jesus, who died for our sins on the the cross. He conquered death and we are no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:12).

Therefore, I will stand and pray. Waiting and believing.

The Armor of God

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 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. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ( Ephesians 6: 10-17 NIV)

You, too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. James 5:8