“Be on your guard; stand firm in your faith; be men of courage; be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV)
We are told to stand firm against every scheme of the enemy (Ephesians 6:11&13). We are told that after doing everything we can, then stand. To stand is not passive. It is not a ‘take it easy’ mode! It is a militant stance of standing firm and not relenting, not backing off! It is a resolve that you will not give the enemy any territory. Choose this day, to hold the blessing rather than letting the enemy spew cursing upon you. The enemy only comes to kill, steal and destroy, and he can only do that when we let him by not standing! To stand against the devil is like standing in against the ocean waves, which can be powerful and unrelenting. You’ve got to position and brace yourself so when the wave hits you are not moved!
Resist him, evict him, kick him out of where he doesn’t belong… from your finances, from your health, from relationships (especially your marriage), from your destiny! You must stand and continue to stand as he attacks. James tells us to resist the devil and he will flee (James 4:7), but this resistance is not simply telling him to stop it and thinking he will leave! We must resist until he stops it!!! To stand means to reject the report that comes your way from the doctor, your employer, your teacher, etc. Don’t repeat or agree with the negativity that is so prevalent in the culture, and even in the church. Don’t complain, as this empowers it! Proclaim the truth that in God ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!
Today choose to stand firm in your faith. Ask the Lord to empower you to stand in this evil hour. Stand firm for your marriage, God is always taking us deeper and closer. Don’t settle for anything less! Stand firm for your children, even the ones are have rejected you and God. Stand firm for your finances declaring God blesses those who give (Luke 6:38), and rebukes the devourer from those who tithe (Malachi 3:10-12). Stand firm over your health, that through Jesus’ wounds you ARE and WILL BE healed (Isaiah 53:5-6, 1 Peter2:24). Declare that God is faithful to fulfill all that He has promised (1 Thessalonians 5:24). So today, choose to stand against every scheme of the enemy! Pray for your pastor to stand, and for your church to stand in obedience to all of God’s word and plans.
