Stand Firm

<<hold your ground>>

To stand firm means to be resolute and persevere, not giving in to fear or the pressure to settle for less (Gal 5:1). “Stand firm and you will see the Lord’s deliverance,” declared Moses, while Jesus said, those that remain faithful to Him regardless of the opposition will be saved (Ex 14:13; Mt 24:13).

“The plans of the Lord stand firm forever” (Ps 33:11). Nothing can alter or stop them happening.

The Bible states Satan is “seeking someone to devour. Resist him by standing firm in the faith” (1 Pet 5:8,9). The strategies he uses to tempt us to fall include the pressure of life, relationships, morality issues, destructive habits and relying on our own ability to combat evil. Consequently, the Bible says have no confidence in the flesh, the sinful element of human nature, as through it Satan gains the advantage over us (Jer 17:5; Phil 3:3). Hence, we are to put to death all the works of the flesh, and live for the new master, “Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (Rom 6:19, 13:14; Eph 4:22-24; Col 3:9,10; Jas 4:7; 1 Pet 4:2).

It is essential to have a robust relationship with the Lord, which is being strengthened daily, so that in the challenges of life we know what the Bible says and can obey God, enabling us to stand firm with our life anchored in Him (Lk 6:46-49; Heb 6:19). However, if you have been overcome by evil,

What strategies help you to stand firm under pressure?

don’t remain down – repent and get back up again. “A righteous man falls seven times, and rises again” (Prov 24:16)!

Paul issued a warning, “If you think you are standing firm, be careful you don’t fall…Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong” –it is God who gives us the ability to stand firm in Christ (1 Cor 10:12, 16:13). It is our responsibility, with His enabling, to deal with the weaknesses and vulnerable areas in our lives and have a supportive network of other believers (Eccl 4:10). Remember, ‘pride goes before a fall’ (Prov 16:18)!

The Bible’s message is “Put on the full armour of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil…after you have done everything to stand. Stand firm then…” (Eph 6:11,13,14). “Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Let nothing move you”. It’s our Bible based convictions and faith in Him that provides the ability to stand firm regardless (1 Cor 15:57,58; 2 Cor 1:21,24).

Don’t focus on the evil that opposes you – that only amplifies its influence over you; focus instead on the greatness of the Lord who supports you (Rom 8:4-13; 1 Jn 4:4).