Time to Stand
by Philip Asselin
The verse today is part of the section on the armour of God. It seems strange to think that being able to stand is victory, but it is. To stand in spite of all opposition, all negative thoughts, any sense of failure, and the various attacks of the enemy, is hugely significant.
Many states in the USA have adopted the ‘stand your ground’ law that allows an individual to use lethal force rather than retreat, if they believe their life is in danger. As Christians we have the same rights under God to ask Him to help us, by the full strength of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, to stand our ground against the forces of darkness.
To be able to stand is why God has given us His strength, and why we are to put on His armour. If we’re told to stand, then it’s because we’re going to be attacked. We mustn’t be frightened. We’re to take our positions and remain alert. And we’re not to think about retreating.
When standing we must be certain of the ground we’re standing on. Shifting sands of opinion and feelings are unstable. Slippery and muddy ground that focuses on our own weaknesses, sins and failings will cause us to stumble and fall. So the ground we stand on needs to be solid, secure, and unchanging. So what should we be standing on? Here are a few thoughts to help us. We stand in grace (Romans 5:2). We stand in the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1). We stand in courage and strength (1 Corinthians 16:13). We stand in faith (2 Corinthians 1:24). We stand in Christian unity (Philippians 1:27). We stand in the Lord (Philippians 4:1). We should stand perfect and complete in the will of God (Colossians 4:12).
Today, more than ever, as believers in Christ, we need to take our stand. Are you standing? Are you secure in the knowledge that what you’re standing on will never let you down? Then put on God’s strength and His armour, and stand your ground!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to be prepared to stand my ground against every trick, scheme and attack of the enemy. Help me to know that to stand is victory. Help me to be certain of the ground I’m standing on, so that when that time comes I’ll be found facing the enemy head on and immovable in Your mighty power. Amen.
Philip Asselin Philip is on the associate ministry and teaching teams with Glyndley Manor. He and his wife Gillian attended the second Healing Retreat at Glyndley Manor in 1992, and were greatly helped. They have two grown up children, one grandson, and a step-granddaughter in California, and a daughter and granddaughter in Eastbourne. His desire is to see people healed and set free to serve God.
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