You may hear “stand firm” expressed when you are going through a challenge or when you get tired of fighting a battle; but what does “stand firm” really mean and how do you do it?
The definition of “stand firm” means to stand up or offer resistance to somebody or something; to refuse to abandon one’s opinion or belief; to hold out, resist, withstand.
As Christians, the Bible tells us that we will experience trials, tribulations, persecution, and temptations. While these words and experiences may discourage us, we need to look to Jesus who tells us to take courage because He has overcome the world. Throughout the scriptures, we are encouraged to stand firm in Christ. Let’s look at some faith leaders and examples of how they stood firm and encouraged their followers.
Moses encouraged the Israelites to stand firm when it looked like they were cornered by Pharaoh and his army coming up behind them and the Red Sea in front of them. Moses told the people to watch the Lord fight for them and to see what He would accomplish. (Exodus 14)
Abraham stood firm in his faith when God told him to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. This was the son that was promised to him and Sarah; the son that would fulfill the covenant God made with Abraham that he would be the father of many nations to come (Genesis 22). Abraham did not waver in his obedience to God’s direction.
Joshua and Caleb knew that God was on their side when they were sent into the Promised Land with ten others to spy out the land. Even though the land was just as God promised, the spies recommended not taking the land but Joshua and Caleb knew they could take the land and conquer the giants. They stood firm in their belief and understanding of the power of the Lord! (Numbers 13)
In Philippians 4:1, Paul said “stand fast in the Lord” when speaking to the people of Philippi. “Stand fast” is translated in the Greek as “STEKO” which is a military term meaning to stand your ground, be immoveable, to hold your position on the front line all while being done under a heavy assault or attack in the midst of a battle.
How do you stand firm in your faith when you are diagnosed with an incurable disease or life-threatening report? How do you respond when fear grips you? How do you stand fast when the enemy attacks? Look at what the Word of God says. Know His promises for you in every situation. Dive deeper into the scriptures and constantly be in His Word, so you know how to stand firm in any trial or tribulation that comes your way.
In order for you to stand firm in your situation, you need to look up the scriptures pertaining to your situation. If you need healing, look up what God’s Word says about healing. Read these verses and pick one out to meditate and focus on—it can become your anchor scripture to hold on to and refuse to abandon what it says while in the battle. You must remember that Christ is sufficient and has already provided what you need to endure and overcome.
Paul shows how to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might by giving an example in Ephesians 6. Beginning in verse 11, Paul says to put on the whole armor of God so we might be protected and able to stand and fight against the evil one. What is great is that we can put on God’s armor, not some general, captain or lieutenant’s armor, but the complete armor of El Shaddai (God Almighty). The God that is all-powerful, the Mighty One! Check out Ephesians 6:11-20 and visually put on the different pieces of armor as Paul explains them.
After you put on the whole armor of God, meditate on His word and you will be able to “stand firm.”
~Donna Jones