In my previous post I wrote about a great faith lesson I learned based on 1 Corinthians 16:13, Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love. It is God who makes us stand firm and it is by faith that we stand firm. We know by faith that God will make us stand firm, even if we don't feel it!
Sometimes I wonder why the Bible makes it sound so easy; standing firm in the faith is everything but easy. When I look around at what is happening in the Christian world I sometimes feel ashamed. People teaching weird messages, churches falling apart, Christians fighting etc. Sometimes it seems everything is being shaken and many are falling. Standing firm in the faith requires determination and focus. Paul wrote in 2 Thessalonians 2:15, So then, brothers, stand firm and hold on to the teachings we passed on to you... In other words, don't add, change or omit anything. Holding on to Biblical truth and teaching is the way to stand firm. Don't be tossed up and down by the waves of new teachings and philosophies.
Even in the Old Testament we can find a solemn warning, If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all (Isaiah 7:9). Standing firm in the faith is not a new calling, it has been there from the beginning. God will help us up when we stumble and hold us up when needed. I hope you may experience this in your walk with Him...
If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
[Psalm 37:23-24]
Hi Marja - I agree with you that standing firm is much tougher than it sounds. I also agree that if we look to the word, unchanged, we will be able to stand firm. His word is our strength and our light. Great post Marja, great encouragement in this tossed up world!
ReplyDeleteGod bless
Tracy
Enjoying your blog posts, Marja. They encourage and challenge at the same time. Thanks for sharing. I also enjoy your comments over at Wyn's blog. Isn't she an awesome poet? Such a sweet woman.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed Valentine's Day!
Pam
So true! We don't simply "stand firm" in our faith because we'd like to...we need to choose to stay true to God's Word and continually look to Him. When we are told something that doesn't seem right...we should check it against God's Word for that never changes. We will always find the truth within its pages!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
To me, standing firm is believing God's Word over my circumstances, feelings, and everything else contrary to it.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Susan :)
Tracy, thank you for your valuable input! Standing firm is not easy, but it can be done indeed.
ReplyDeletePam, thanks for your kind words of encouragement, glad you enjoy my posts. Hopped over to your blog, LOVE it.
ReplyDeleteJoan, thanks for adding your comment. it's so true, we don't stand firm because we 'like' to, we must choose to do so.
Susan, I am with you, standing not only in the Word, but letting it stand OVER my circumstances and feelings. Thanks dear, for your valuable input.
The world is crying out for strong Christians who hold the cross up high. thank for for that reminder, Marja
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