Isaiah 7:9
"If you do not stand firm in your faith,
you will not stand at all."
Stumbling blocks are all around us. Some of those blocks appear out of nowhere, startling us and other blocks can be from our own doing. Regardless of how those stumbling blocks appear, when they do, they can throw us for a real loop and can be the catalyst for a crisis of faith. If you have been a follower of Jesus long enough you know that our faith is under constant attack by the enemy. Why is that? Because when we stand firm in our faith, we are a threat to the enemy and his plan to thwart God's plan for our lives.
Faith is fundamental to our spiritual foundation that keeps us standing in strongest of storms. It keeps us steady when our knees are buckling, when waves of doubt wash over us, and when the unexpected alter our entire existence. Faith is the assurance of knowing that God is with you always, in all circumstances and that He is sovereign over all things in our life. Our faith gives us confidence, courage and contentment. It is with faith that we have the peace that passes all understanding.
This morning, I came across the passage, Isaiah 7:9, "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." Wow what a powerful statement and warning to heed! I love how scripture packs so much into even the simplest of verses. It is important that we don't allow ourselves to become complacent in the nurturing, refining and building of our faith.
What does it mean to stand firm in our faith? Standing firm mean that we are securely and solidly fixed in our faith.
The definition of firm is...
not subject to change or revision
not easily moved or disturbed
having a solid or compact structure that resists stress or pressure
This is a great visual of what standing firm in our faith looks like in our life. Let's break it down.
Life is always changing; it is always being revised and evolving in some way or another. We can all agree that change is inevitable regardless. The one thing that doesn't change is Jesus. Hebrews 13: 8 tells us, " Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever." Because of the unchanging nature of Jesus, our faith in Him is secure. We can stand firm in know that we can fully rely on Jesus Christ Savior through all the rollercoasters of life.
The world will do its best to rob you of your peace, to make you feel hopeless, to throw you into chaos, and bring disorder into your life. When you are standing firm in your faith, these external things may rattle you, but you are not easily moved because you have experienced God's goodness and faithfulness. His faithfulness should fuel our faith!
Imagine your faith as an unbreakable shield, forged to withstand life's fiercest storms. When you root yourself deeply in this faith, trusting in God's power and embracing His guidance, your spiritual armor grows stronger. Life may sometimes feel like a pressure cooker, threatening to burst at any moment. Yet, faith acts as a stabilizing force, allowing you to stand firm amidst the chaos. Faith doesn't just protect you—it empowers you to face life's challenges head-on, transforming potential breaking points into opportunities for growth and resilience.
God understands our human nature and knows our faith will face trials. He's prepared us for these moments, providing a solid foundation to stand upon when doubts arise. During spiritual crises, we might feel distant from God, but paradoxically, it's in our moments of weakness that His strength shines brightest. You may reach what feels like your breaking point—and perhaps it is—but remember: while we have limits, our Father is limitless. When we've exhausted our own resources, that's precisely when God's infinite power and love can flow through us most powerfully.
In times of struggle, our faith becomes a bridge between our finite capabilities and God's boundless grace. It's not about never faltering; it's about trusting that even in our lowest moments, we're held by a higher power that never wavers.
So, how can we strengthen our faith?
Recall
Reflect on your past experiences where your faith carried you through difficult times. Remember God's faithfulness in your life during those times that He tended to you in the wilderness and led you into a new place. We are told not to dwell in the past, but when you take the time to look at where God brought you from and where you could have been and should have been, you will experience His awesome power that enforces your faith.
Reconnect
It's tempting to pull away from God and isolate when we are having a crisis faith. When we should do the exact opposite! Take time to reconnect with God through prayer, reading the Word, and spending time alone with Him. Part of standing firm in your faith is not allowing the distractions to become a barrier between you and the Lord. Sever the connection to whatever it is that is making you doubt your faith and be intentional about connecting with Jesus!
Rejoice
Celebrate the blessings in your life, both big and small. I know it is difficult to find joy in trials especially when they are painful and seem insurmountable. James 1:2 tells us," Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
When our faith is tested it is refined. We are able to endure and have patience in suffering and helps us continue on our spiritual path until we reach that moment of completion when God takes us home.
Sister your faith is precious! Remember, the faith that sustains you through your trials is the same faith that can inspire others. When you stand firm in your faith in the face of adversity, you can be a beacon of hope for those stumbling in the shadows of doubt. Your story of perseverance, and your steadfast trust in God's plan can be the very encouragement someone else desperately needs. Trust in God to continually provide you with every good thing and to generously give you the wisdom to ignite your faith in incredible ways.
Comentários