We all know that, as Christians, we will be challenged in our faith.
Sometimes the challenge comes in the form of temptation. The enemy knows exactly when to target us–when we’re at our weakest. And he knows precisely what tempts us most.
Often, the challenge comes when the world’s way is counter-cultural to God’s way. We want to be accepted, and it’s difficult to always say or do the right things.
And, of course, we are challenged when we face trials that cut us to the bone–grief, loss, sickness, and disappointment can all lead us to waver in our belief.
3 Ways to Stand Firm in Your Faith
I’ve been there. I’ve struggled with trying to stand firm in my faith.
“If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.”
Isaiah 7:9b, NIV
So, when faced with challenges to our faith, how does the Bible encourage us to stand firm?
First, we have to know upon what (or Whom) we are standing.
“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 upon a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”
Psalm 40:1-2
When God reached down and saved us, He lifted us out of the pit and set us on the Rock. Jesus is the Rock, and He is a firm place to stand. He is truth and His Word is truth (John 14:6, John 17:17).
“So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.”
2 Thessalonians 2:15
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”
Isaiah 40:8
When your faith is challenged, remember that you stand on the Rock of Jesus Christ. His Word is a firm place to stand. He does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17). He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Dig your heels in and trust the One who is beneath you.
Second, we will have to resist the devil and his lies.
When we are struggling with our faith, Satan will whisper words contrary to God’s Word. We have to choose to cast down those thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5).
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of suffering.”
1 Peter 5:8-9
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.”
1 Corinthians 16:13
As soon as we recognize thoughts of fear, doubt, discouragement, anxiety, or temptation, we have to choose to guard our minds against the deception of the enemy and choose to think God’s thoughts instead.
God has given us spiritual armor to help us stand. When we feel the challenges to our faith, we can remember to suit up and then take our stand.
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”
Ephesians 6:13
You know what stands out to me in that verse? (Pardon the pun.) After YOU have DONE everything. In other words, we have to do our part. We have to put on the armor and actively choose to protect our minds from wrong thoughts, our hearts from pride, our gut from lies. Then we have to take up our shield of faith.
We have to be self-controlled and alert and on guard. But when we have done our part, God enables us to stand.
Third, we can’t waver between faith and doubt.
We have to know what we believe and why we believe, so that when the challenges come, we are firm in our faith. Why did you decide to follow Jesus? Why do you choose to serve Him? What do you believe about God and His Word?
“Elijah went before the people and said, ‘How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.'”
1 Kings 18:21
I think sometimes we still waver between wanting to follow God and wanting to follow the world. If that is the case, we will definitely struggle with our faith. The Lord is asking you today, “How long will you waver between two opinions?”
If you know that God is God and God is good, there’s no question. Don’t let the devil make you think Satan has something better to offer you in the world. It’s a lie.
Only God is God and He alone knows what is best for us. He alone is the path to life, love, and victory. Consider Abraham and his faith. He was a man, a real person, just like you and me. God gave him a great promise with little evidence that he could actually see.
“Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”
Romans 4:20
I love that verse! Abraham made mistakes. He wan’t perfect. But he was “fully persuaded.” Are you fully persuaded today that God is able to do what He has promised?
If you are still struggling to believe God because of trials, tribulations, or temptations that you are going through right now, let me encourage you that the Lord of all can set you free. He can lead you out of that miry place of doubt and confusion and give you a firm place to stand.
Open your arms wide to the love of Jesus and let Him lift you up. Trust that He is good and He loves you perfectly. He will make a way for you and keep you in His love and in His truth.
So stand firm, beloved.
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