As I have been walking closely with the Lord these many years, one of the strongest commands He has ever given me is to stand firm in my faith. As He says in the verse above, if we don't stand firm in our faith, we will not stand at all. When Jesus was telling His disciples about the end times, He said: "Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." (Matthew 24:12-13 NIV) We are seeing an "increase of wickedness" like never before. And even some Christians are being seduced by the works and agents of Satan. But that is not God's will for you and me. We are told to "Be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you." (James 4:7 AMP) As we walk in obedience to the Lord and His commands, we will have victory in Christ.

Scripture says: "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith." (1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT) If we will remain on high alert as we live our lives for Christ, the Holy Spirit will make us attuned to demonic attacks, so that we can respond by standing firm in our faith and aggressively resisting them. Notice that Satan has to constantly look for people who are vulnerable to his assaults. That means that if he comes against us and finds us resistant to his evil strategies, he has to flee from us and go find someone else to "devour."

One reason why it's so important for us to stand firm in our faith is because our witness can affect and influence others in negative and positive ways. Scripture says: "So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs. Mark out a straight path for your feet. Then those who follow you, though they are weak and lame, will not stumble and fall but will become strong." (Hebrews 12:12-13 NLT) If you have loved ones who aren't saved, or who are wavering in their faith, your standing firm in good times and bad can point them to Christ. Is your marriage on shaky ground? Stand firm in your faith! Does your family seem to be crumbling before your eyes? Stand firm in your faith! Do you need healing for your body or your emotions? Stand firm in your faith! The good news is that we don't stand firm in our own strength. Not at all. As the Bible tells us: "Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ." (2 Corinthians 1:21 NIV) Hallelujah!

Has God given you work to do for His Kingdom? Then, "Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV) God has a lot more to say about the importance of you standing firm in your faith, but let me leave you with these instructions from His Word - "Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong!" (1 Corinthians 16:13 NLT)

Prayer: Lord, remind me often that if I don't stand firm in my faith, I won't be able to stand at all, and I will make myself an easy target for the forces of darkness. Help me to cooperate with You for the building of my faith by spending undistracted, unhurried time with You and Your Word on a regular basis. Make me a powerful witness for You, especially in the eyes of my own loved ones. Thank You that as I stand firm in my faith by Your grace, You will empower me to do great exploits for Your glory! (Daniel 11:32 AMPC)