STAND STRONG
“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.”
(1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NLT)
We are heading toward the end of the year. Can you believe that Christmas is just around the corner? During this season many of us might feel tired and want to throw in the towel.
I would like to encourage you to stand strong during this festive season. You were not created to give up. We need to become like Joshuas, no matter the battle we face, be strong and courageous. Do not walk in fear, know that the Lord your God is with you.
I know that people think “she's a pastor’s wife…she has everything good going for her, she doesn’t go through disappointments, or hurt, She has more than enough of everything in life.” Let me take off the mask for a moment. Pastor's wives go through very difficult times in life. I can only testify of what I do as a woman of God when I face a storm in life. I made a quality decision to stand strong in the Lord, in good and bad times. It’s just as the Apostle Paul encourages every believer to do, “Stand Strong” in tough times.
Maybe this question runs through your mind, “How do I stand strong?”
Pray until you have your breakthrough.
Worship the Lord, glorify His name.
Declare His Word over that situation.
I would like to emphasize this scripture, 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 and encourage you to do as we are instructed by the Apostle Paul through the Word of God.
BE ALERT AND ON GUARD
The first key when we face tough times is to, “BE ALERT AND ON GUARD.” I find it very interesting that Paul starts with these powerful strong words. He knew that being on the alert is something that believers should be doing and especially those who go through difficult trials, to be mindful of temptations and danger.
The Bible says clearly (1 Peter 5:8 NLT) “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”
During our walk in life, we face persecution, but don’t live in fear, know that God is with you to guide and protect you.
STAND FIRM IN YOUR FAITH
We all know that, as Christians, we will be challenged in our faith walk. Challenges in life come in the form of temptation. The enemy knows exactly when to target us, especially when we are at our weakest - And he knows precisely what tempts us most.
The Word of God encourages us that the Lord will set our feet on a rock and He will give us a firm place to stand upon.
Psalms 40:1-2 NIV
“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”
BE COURAGEOUS AND STRONG
When Paul tells us to be strong, he is saying be strong in the Lord, which means when we are weak in ourselves, God’s strength becomes evident in our life.
Only when our lives are positioned in the Lord, in union with Him, do we possess the appropriate power to overcome the enemy. Jesus said,
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.” (John 15:4 NLT)
Since believers are engaged in an ongoing spiritual battle with the powers of darkness, they cannot endure without the power of God. To be strong in the Lord and the power of His might is vital to living a victorious life.
OPERATE IN LOVE
Everything we do should be motivated by love and it starts with our love for God. Love requires an unconditional commitment. Jesus Himself said that His disciples are to be distinguished by their love: “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” (John 13:34 NLT)
He is the ROCK that anchors us, and His grace will sustain us. His Spirit empowers us to love deeply.We will talk like Him, walk like Him and love like Him.
As you take a step of faith in this beautiful festive season, I pray that you will stand strong during this time. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you to stay strong in the Lord. May the Holy Spirit go before you. May peace accompany you in every situation. May God’s love and His light surround you with favor. May kindness emanate from you. May His goodness follow you. May you have the support of family and friends and may your festive season be filled with great faith, love, peace and joy!
Know that Christ the anointed one is within you, you shall not fail!
Forgive quickly
Love deeply
Ps.Lil ❤