Stand Your Ground

Recently, my husband and I, and a friend visiting us, found ourselves in a situation where our lives were in danger and our safety violated. The incident left us somewhat shaken and feeling quite vulnerable. Some precious friends from Ellel Ministries spent time with us ministering into the trauma, and we’re so grateful to the Lord that, as His children, we never need to remain stuck in a place of fear.

The morning after this distressing event, I woke up with Ephesians 6:13 in my spirit: ‘Therefore put on God’s complete armour, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]’. Three truths in this scripture struck me:

Firstly, the reason why we need to be wearing the full armour of God is because the ‘evil day of danger’ is bound to come in some shape or form during our journey here on earth. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). James 1:2-3 says, ‘Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance’. As long as we live in this fallen world, we’re bound to be faced with trials and troubles of varying degrees. But the great news is that, when we’re positioned in Jesus, covered with His armour, we’ll be able to stand our ground in the face of adversity.

Secondly, Ephesians 6:13 says, ‘and having done all the crisis demands, to stand firmly in your place’. I don’t believe that the Lord intends for us to live with our heads in the sand when trouble comes, and to pretend we’re not affected by the brokenness and distress it often brings. As God’s children, we may be under the impression that we should move on very quickly from a traumatic event, a loss, or even a relationship where we’ve been wounded. We’re to continue to keep that smile on our face, put the ‘coping mask’ on, and forge ahead. But this verse speaks about the fact that the crisis may demand some things that need to be done, some realities needing attention. This may include practical things like taking time out to recover, asking for prayer support while you’re processing something, or perhaps getting godly counsel and prayer ministry to bring God’s healing.

Thirdly, we’re encouraged to ‘stand firmly’ in our place after we’ve done all. I read an article the other day about cheetahs – those beautiful wild cats. It explained what to do, should you encounter a cheetah while you are on foot in the wild. One of the warnings in the article is not to run or show any signs of fear, because if you run, the cheetah will instinctively chase you. You’re encouraged to stand your ground and slowly move to safety. The Bible speaks of our enemy roaming around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. ‘Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset—rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined]’ (1 Peter 5:8-9). God’s Word and His promises are our anchor when we’re walking through difficult experiences. It’s the sword with which we can fight the enemy. The name of Jesus is our strong tower where we can find shelter, and His love is our safe place which drives out all fear. We are positioned in Him.

My desire is for God to be glorified through our experience; ‘But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring about as it is this day, to save many people alive’ (Genesis 50:20, NKJV).

Prayer: Lord, I want to thank You that You’re my safe place and the One who`ll never allow me to be tested beyond what I can bear. Thank you for Your perfect provision for everything I may face in this life. Help me to remember that You’re my source of comfort and strength, and the one in whom I can be secure, in Jesus’ name. Amen.