Stand your Ground. Stand firm.
by Margaret Silvester
The Christian life can’t be described as, ‘a bed of roses.’ The Bible makes it clear that it can’t be lived without a battle and only the strength that God gives will be sufficient for victorious living.
Essentially, the Christian life is a relationship with Jesus, a life of obedience to Him. Some Christians are tempted to spend their lives fighting against the devil, overlooking the obedience issue. This can prove to be a source of discouragement and defeat. We’re told to stand our ground - to stand firm - to stand against the devil’s schemes and to be strong in the Lord. There’s no room for self-confidence. This will prove to be our downfall. The strongest people are those who know they’re very weak indeed in their own strength.
We’re told to stand against the devil’s schemes, not his haphazard tactics. He puts cunning devices into operation in his effort to trip us up. We’re told to stand our ground when the day of evil comes – the day of conflict and persecution. Christians have to face conflict and persecution from the enemy – (our enemy and God’s enemy). Only when we’re strong in the Lord do we have the stability to stand firm.
We’re told to stand firm and withstand the assaults from the enemy of our souls. That’s the purpose for investing in the armour that God supplies. It’s not something we put on and take off. The armour could be described as the character and lifestyle of the believer. Truth, righteousness, peace, and faith are all part of our salvation. The word of God is the foundation to build our lives upon, and prayer in the Spirit will always be answered.
Yes, we’re in a battle, spiritual forces are at work against us. However, the battle was won at Calvary. Satan was defeated. He has limited power as he awaits his final doom. A main aspect of spiritual warfare is living a life of consecration, obedience and fellowship with God. In such a way we stand firm in Him and He effectively deals with the flaming arrows that come against us.
Do you need to take your stand against the devil’s schemes today, knowing that the One who died to make you His own ‘ever lives to make intercession for you’? (Hebrews 7:25)
Prayer: Thank You, Lord Jesus, that Your strength is made perfect in my weakness. Thank You for Your protection and care for me. Help me today to stand firm in You, knowing that You are for me and not against me. Amen.
Margaret Silvester had a career as a teacher prior to being called into full time Christian Ministry with her husband, David, in 1986. They were involved in establishing a Healing Ministry in the local church and Margaret has a passion to see lost and wounded people found and restored. She and her husband joined the Ellel Ministries teaching and ministry team in 2000 after a clear call from God. Margaret`s book "Stepping Stones to the Father Heart of God" has recently been published.
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