 "JUST STAND" |
| "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground,and after, you have done everything , to stand." Ephesians 6:13 |
Some we bring on ourselves, some from others, some we are blind-sided by, some we expect, some we have no control over. What do they all have in common? The enemy. The enemy is the one who brings division and strife,chaos and confusion.All these things turn into trials and battles that can consume us if we don't know how to handle them.
The LORD warned us we would have trials in this life; "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."John 16:33
I don't know why I am so surprised every time a grenade is thrown into my life, it's not like I don't know or haven't been warned or been through countless trials before.
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." 1 Peter 4:12
Trials and tribulations happen, they are part of life.
What we do to prepare ourselves and how we react in these various trials is what makes the difference.
It is so easy in the midst of a trial to react in our emotions. I for one am guilty of this especially if I'm blind-sided and didn't see the fiery dart coming in my direction!
That is why I have been faithfully "Putting on my Armor" since I was twenty something.
A soldier doesn't go into battle without putting on his protective gear, neither should we.
Because we are all in a battle everyday of our lives.
Each morning when I wake up before my feet hit the ground I praise the Lord and PRAY out loud the verses from Ephesians 6:13- 17
"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand....."
In verse 12 right before this we are reminded; "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this worlds darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
Why do I have to go through this stuff you ask?
The Bible tells us throughout scripture that trials refine us. That we may become a living hope for someone else, a witness and encouragement for the Glory of God.
"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer various trials; so that the authenticity of your faith - more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire- may result in praise, glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:7
"Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."James 1:2-3
So if I understand what I am reading in the Bible here is what to expect:
* TROUBLE & TRIALS & BATTLES.
* IT'S NOT AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD, IT'S NOT THE PEOPLE, BUT IT IS AGAINST THE DARK, EVIL ENEMY OF OUR SOULS.
*PREPARE FOR BATTLE BY PUTTING ON THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD.
*PREPARE* PRAISE * PRAY *
*WHEN WE HAVE DONE ALL OF THESE THINGS, WE STAND.
WE JUST STAND!
We stand on God's promises because His promises are faithful and true!
We stand on God's Word because His Word does not return void!
We STAND! Believing! We JUST STAND!
THE BATTLE IS NOT OURS , THE BELONGS TO THE LORD!
"The LORD will fight for you; you need only to STAND still."Exodus 14:14
You may feel like you are the only one going through a trial or battle.
You are not the only one! The devil likes us to think we are all alone, that is part of his isolation trick! Don't fall for it! Surround yourself with Prayer Warriors and Bible Believers that will lift you up and encourage you!
I myself have been in many battles in my lifetime, especially recently. But I have come through these trials stronger in my faith and because of God I am able to help comfort others in their own battles.
If I am able to help others because I myself have endured the trials, then that is reason enough for me to continue to STAND!
Hang in there! You will get through this trial, this battle. You will be Victorious because Christ is Victorious in you! The Lord will see you through!
You can STAND on that!
"The pain that you've been feeling can't compare to the joy that's coming." Romans 8:18
