Stand Firm

Posted on September 1, 2015 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

Stand Firm!

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

It is a privilege and honor to be around so many Christians who have walked the journey for a number of years. I enjoy hearing about the faith battle scars and the perseverance it takes to endure trials and hardships. Or the stories of Christians who stood the test time in a marriage and while raising children. The old saints who gloriously illuminated the light of Jesus in whatever platform God gave them.

For me, in my recovery process, I tended to begin very well, but never seemed to finish strong. Add in the inconsistency that is prevalent in our culture: why stand when I can move in the many ways of the world? Why stand and build with a company when I can get promoted by job hopping. Why stand-firm with a church (especially when someone makes me angry) when there are many others from which to choose?

I’m looking at this big oak tree outside my window and it is there every day. Tomorrow it won’t be down the street or across the road, it will be in the same place. The Psalmist mentions, “He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” (Psalms 1:3)

I hate to sound legalistic, but when are we going to stand firm as a testimony of God’s goodness? When will we stop casually tip toeing through life, and instead live full throttle in the area of faithfulness? If we want to combat non-believers in their choices and the way they live; let’s stand firm in what we believe. Let our actions match our passion.

Ok, I’ll get off my soap box. I’ll close with the verse before our key text as it reminds us why we should stand firm. “but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57). Juan Mendez serves as a full-time Chaplain at the Colony of Mercy and is a graduate as well. He blogs weekly. You can email him at jmendez@americaskeswick.org

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 135-136; 2 Corinthians 11:1-15

Think About This: Where there is fear of God to keep the house, the enemy can find no way to enter. Francis of Assisi

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:  Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27