Stand!
by Lindsey Hanekom
Yesterday I had the enormous joy of watching my five year old son compete in his first gymnastics competition and win a bronze medal for his display. As they read Kyle’s name out I was rightfully proud and overjoyed at seeing my son stand up and be applauded for his hard work.
As good as his gymnastic display was, I felt a deeper pride for a very different reason. Kyle is the only boy in his group, with only one other (much older) boy in the whole club – both of them surrounded by girls! Throughout the year, a couple of other boys attended, but only for a short time, as they soon announced it was just for girls. This opinion was spoken out to Kyle frequently, but he stood firm, and continued his attendance and practice.
This is where my pride in my son lies most deeply – his steadfastness; even against the harsh words of others, and the obvious lack of other boys around him. When he received his medal, it was a result, not just of hard work in his gymnastics, but of an attitude that stood firm and didn’t let it matter what others said.
It`s a challenge to us all in this world, where there`s a continuous stream of opinion and beliefs thrown at us and the plumb-line of truth is increasingly difficult to find in the sea of political correctness and liberal attitudes. Standing our ground on the truth is becoming increasingly important, and a real test of our faith.
This Scripture reminds us that it`s the armour of God that makes it possible for us to stand firm – truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation and the Word of God. These are the things that enable us to stand against the popular opinion and the increasingly loud voices that would encourage us to give in to a more liberal lifestyle, or give up entirely.
We need not hide. We need not bow to a watered-down Gospel. We can stand up tall, knowing, one day, every eye will see that we stood for truth. And they will watch as we take our place and receive our special reward from God himself.
Prayer: Father God, I`m sorry that I`ve not always stood firm in truth and have allowed myself to be swayed by others` opinions and beliefs. Help me to stand firm in You from now on, until the time comes for me to receive my reward in heaven. Amen.
Lindsey Hanekom Lindsey has worked at all of our UK centres over the years and has settled at Ellel Scotland with her husband, Johann and their two young children, Kyle and Zoe. As part of the Leadership Team at Ellel Scotland, Lindsey has a heart for the deeply broken as she oversees the prayer ministry and is an established and passionate teacher with Ellel. In her spare time, Lindsey enjoys the natural world, particularly the ocean, and is trained as a specialist medic to assist stranded and injured marine mammals.
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