“But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. “
Colossians 1:23
I’ve always been told that when God says something more than a few times it means it’s a concept or command that He really wants us to get. I think the same can be said for Paul and his writings to the churches. A few years ago I was going through a season of great confusion and uncertainty. I believed that God was calling me to something, but it seemed like my current circumstances were not lining up with that call. I decided in my search for the answer I would start reading through all of Paul’s letters. Over and over I began underlining the same words, “stand firm”. I knew immediately that God was asking me to not move, but to claim the promise and hold on tight to it. I had no idea that four years later I would still be holding tight to that command to stand firm.
Maybe you are finding yourself in the same place today. The Holy Spirit has placed a strong conviction in your heart, but you can already feel yourself wavering. Or you have claimed a promise in God’s word, but you are having to wait for it and now you are wondering if the promise was true. Maybe you are just struggling with trying to figure out, as a Christian, how to live out God’s word in a society that rejects it. Paul’s answer for this was to “stand firm”. Stand firm in your convictions, stand firm on God’s promises, and stand firm on the truth of God’s word. I know some of you are already thinking this is easier said than done. In our own strength, it’s almost impossible to be that steady. God promises His help.
“Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm.” 2 Chronicles 20:20
“Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23
As we place our faith in Christ and we believe in God’s word, He will give us the ability to stand firm in it. When I look back at different seasons of my life when I have struggled the most, it has always been seasons where I have wavered on a conviction or promise. James also warns us about this when he says in chapter 1 verses 6-7, “Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.”
As women of faith we need to stand firm. Wavering, James said, would lead to nothing, but standing firm will lead you into an abundant life with Christ. I pray that if you are wavering today, that through the power of the Holy Spirit you would find renewed strength to stand firm for one more day.
April Brazelton
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#aprilbrazeltonblogs
