Persevere and Stand Firm
That almost sounds like a contradiction, doesn’t it. How can you persevere while you’re standing firm? Persevere sounds like an “action” verb, while Stand Firm seems like a “motionless” verb and adverb.
In this photo is a little desk plaque that Mom gave me for Christmas. She said, “I saw it and I just knew I had to get it for you.” The words on it are “STAND FIRM….Be strong and immovable, always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” 1 Corinthians 15:58. When I received it, I’ll admit I thought “Uh oh, Lord, what is it that I’m going to need those words for this year? Also, in the photo is the rock that I picked last week that underneath it was the word “perseverance”. That’s a double word exhortation for me. Stand firm and persevere.
Wednesday night, for my Life Group, I had the candle (the light of Christ), the Bible opened to that 1 Corinthians 15:58 verse, the Stand Firm plaque and the rock as the centerpiece to our table. I knew there was a message God was conveying to us. Each of us, in our own lives, are dealing with stuff — circumstances, people, situations, challenges and decisions to be made. It’s enough to give us the jitters.
This scripture gives us a step-by-step way to handle our anxieties and our impatience.
STAND FIRM — tells us to not be moving around so much. Ever been around someone who just had crazy nervous energy going on? They drum their fingers on a table or swing and tap their feet. They are in constant motion. Honestly, it can drive us loony just being in their presence. I’ve literally had to shut my eyes to keep from getting myself nervous, too.
“Stand firm” means “be stable,” “be steadfast.” Unmoveable, means to hold a position of “heels dug in” with bulldog tenacity. Bulldogs never quit. If they get hold of your leg, they won’t let go. They are known for their tenacious spirit. They are actually bred to be tenacious.
We may not know what is up ahead for us in this new year. But, I intend to remember to persevere “enthusiastically” in whatever God calls me to — especially in the work I do for Him, and STAND FIRM in my trust in His unwavering love for me that assures me that everything is gonna’ be alright and “in due season I will reap, if I don’t faint…..while standing firm”. Father knows best and His promises are true. I’m going to STAND, and when I’ve done all to stand….I’m going to keep on standing. I won’t give up, until I’m taken up. How about you?
The next time we find our courage tested to the limit, let’s remember that God is as near as our next breath, and He offers strength and comfort to His children. He is our shield and our strength; He is our protector and our deliverer. Whatever our challenge, whatever our trouble, God can help us persevere. And that’s precisely what He’ll do if we ask Him. Our job is to keep persevering until He does.
I’m thinking that I’ll start introducing myself this way: “Hi, my name is Donna, but you can call me Bulldog!”