Stand Firm
As believers, we are told to stand firm in our faith, despite the culture and moral decay.
Ephesians 6:14 instructs us to stand firm. In Ephesians 6:11 God tells us to put on the full armor of God, that we may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. In verse 13 of the same chapter, God tells us to take up the full armor of God, that we may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. These actions of standing, taking up, and resisting are things the Lord wants us to do, and we do so by faith in the Lord.
Contrasting this is the description of a double-minded man found in James 1:8. His asking of God, is not in faith, but in doubt. James 1:6 says he who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. This man is not esteeming God’s wisdom, but man’s wisdom. In order to stand firm, we trust in God’s wisdom completely. The word “stand“ means to continue, endure, or persist.
Elijah was a man who stood firm despite the culture of his day and moral decay. He challenged the people of Israel and the worshippers of the false god Baal to take a stand for the Living God or go against Him. 1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people did not answer him a word.
What will be our answer?
Will we remain silent?
Will we “hesitate between two opinions”?
Are we “undecided” about Who we will follow?
If so, we will falter and be unstable. However, if we stand, we will maintain an upright position.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 12:30a “He who is not with Me is against Me” And in Luke 9:62 Jesus explained how we are to follow Him and not look back; for He gave us this admonition: “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Let us choose to stand firm in the Lord.
Joshua 24:15 “And if it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” May the Lord give us the strength to stand firm in the evil day.
-Submitted by Pam Burton