STAND

Dear friends of mine recently moved to Austin and my community. We share a “buddy” system when it comes to our faith and determination. We need those kinds of relationships with those who believe God and His Word – especially during challenging times. My friends have had some health issues but have stayed the course despite the ups and downs they encountered. While it would be easy to throw in the towel, this couple are unwavering in their faith.

As we spoke just a couple of days ago, we came into agreement for their healing. I promised I would stand strong with them as they keep “standing”. The Amplified Bible is exhaustive with plenty of detail – just like me in my blogs! This is how it explains STANDING. “Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious].” (Ephesians 6:13).

What do you do when you are stuck at the crossroads, and you’ve done all you can? Stand. You. Just. Stand. While this advice may seem illogical to those who may be broken and collapsed due to emotional, spiritual, relational, or physical battles, I believe it is God’s answer for you and me today.How do I know? Personal, painstaking experience. Yes, I know prolonged journeys of standing. And it is in this place of pain, fear, and insecurity, that God met me and taught me how to stand.

STAND is an action verb. A fairly easy action. Not much thinking required. But it is not our “go-to” position, is it? Usually, we rely on the automatic “fight or flight” response when we face adversity. Sometimes we pull ourselves together and prepare to fight. Other times, we run for cover hoping to protect ourselves from the flying shrapnel, waiting until the storm passes. But God offers us an alternative: STAND.

The part of the scripture (Ephesians 6:13) that keeps resonating with me and is the inspiration for this blog is: “…and after you have done everything, STAND!” There is never a time God tells us to stop standing. Did you catch that? He does not give us an out. He does not say there is a time to run and hide. He does not mean that after we have given it our best, we can quit and sit down. (Trust me, I looked for the loopholes!)

Here’s how God sets us up and what He will do for us when we stand:
** He uses His strength and power to deliver us. “Don’t be afraid. STAND firm and watch God do his work of salvation for you today.” (Exodus 14:13)

** God will protect us with his armor. “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to STAND firm against all strategies of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)

** God will stay by our side and never leave us alone. “No one will be able to STAND against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5)

Our struggles are real. God knows it so He proves Himself to us when we become savvy at recognizing the schemes and devices the enemy throws at us to knock us off our feet. God’s Word tells us we are not to be passive participants but to proactively prepare for battle by arming ourselves. We’ve known some tough times in these last couple of years. I hope you chose to stand your ground. While our hard-wired response when we face danger may be the “fight or flight” response, we should join our Commander in the War Room (aka our prayer room) and choose God’s option instead: STAND!

“Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God Himself will fight for you.” (Deuteronomy 3:22) So when you have done everything you know to do, STAND and watch God fight for you.