This is a word for some of you who are weary of keeping up “the good fight.” You’ve been in constant survival mode and feeling depleted of any spiritual grit or passion. You’re beginning to wonder what you’re doing wrong. Perhaps you’ve thought you need to pray more, fast more, or discover some new strategy for combatting the endless attacks against your health and well-being. You’ve probably entertained feelings of failure and even wondered if you’re disappointing God because of your seeming inability to overcome the distractions and setbacks.
But, instead of beating yourself up for not being more spiritually mature or zealous in the fight, take another look. Consider another perspective. Consider the power you carry when you simply determine to not back down from what God has already said. It may not be about doing more, but actually less. Consider the possibility that instead of losing a battle, you are actually winning one.
Welcome to the Season of Standing.
I believe many are in this season right now. A time when the Lord is teaching us about endurance. About the power of simply standing and not bending to opposing forces. About breaking through and winning the battle because we simply won’t yield. And it’s not because we fight well. It’s because we stand well.
When we read in Ephesians 6:13 “…having done all, stand…” this is not some last-ditch effort to simply hang on. It’s not some last resort in our battle strategy; plan C for those who just don’t have the spiritual nerve or muscle to keep wielding their swords against enemy forces. I don’t think that’s what God had in mind – because He knows something that we don’t. He knows the inherent strength of endurance. He knows the increased authority we gain in the spirit when we refuse to step back from His promise and simply STAND FIRM.
Endurance is not for the faint of heart. Endurance is a powerful weapon against the enemy when we embrace its invitation. Remember – if the enemy can’t immobilize us through fear, he’ll just try to wear us out. Hoping to siphon out every last ounce of hope and promise, he’ll throw endless curve balls to make us second guess God’s word and promise. He’ll turn up the volume of lies and threats, and drain us of all our energy and support. He’ll do ANYTHING to make us give up and give in. Just don’t let him.
But the Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame. (Isaiah 50:7 ESV)
Instead of using up your reserve power to dodge enemy fire or look for new solutions, the Lord would simply have you hold your ground. Do not budge from your position of faith. If He’s already spoken, stand on His word. Don’t change your mind, and don’t cave in to the pressure. Don’t waste time worrying about the unexpected twists and turns from enemy forces. Set your face like a flint and refuse to cave in to the unending storms. As you stand firm and endure to the finish you will become an immovable fortress against your enemies and a victor in the making. Your roots of faith will go even deeper into the soil of your future, preparing the way for a Breaker’s Reward!
Our greatest setbacks and challenges often come right before our biggest breakthroughs. Determine that you are a Breaker. Embrace this season of standing and look for the reward to come.
By your endurance you will gain your lives.
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