Stand Firm or Persevere?

Which is it, God? Do you want me to just stand firm for what I am believing for OR do I persevere in finding the answer? One seems to be “unmovable” and the other seems to be “keep moving”.

Of all the little decorative items I gave away or sold when I moved to Austin, I kept this one. It is a little paperweight that my dear mother-in-law gave me years ago. I remember her saying: “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 about to happen that I’m going to need to STAND FIRM? Also, in the photo is a rock I received at a retreat. The rocks were all turned over so when we picked our rock, we didn’t know what it said underneath. The one I chose said PERSEVERANCE. Those are double word exhortations for me. STAND FIRM and PERSEVERE.

I looked for the message behind the messages and the message is clear. 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 tummy butterflies and jitters. That scripture in 1 Corinthians gives us a step-by-step way to handle our anxieties and our impatience.

STAND FIRM means to be unmovable, holding a position of “heels dug in” with bulldog tenacity. Someone who has that bulldog tenacity is unmovable. Their heels are dug in. Bulldogs never quit. If they get hold of your leg, they won’t let go. They are known for their tenacious spirit. They are bred to be tenacious.

PERSEVERE is defined as: carry on, keep going, be persistent, follow through, keep at it, but it also means to stand one’s ground, STAND FIRM, stay the course, unmovable, and hold on. Persevere AND stand firm — almost sound like contradictions to each other. Keep going, but unmovable?

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”.

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 STAND FIRM and PERSEVERE. And that’s precisely what He’ll do if we ask Him. Our job is to keep standing firm in our faith and persevering in what He calls us to do.

I’m thinking that I’ll start introducing myself this way: “Hi, my name is Donna, but you can call me ‘Bulldog’ who perseveres in her quest to serve and please God with all her heart, body and soul!”