Eph.6:10-14 tells us three different times to take a stand, all in the context of fighting the spiritual battle each of us, as believers, are in. Taking a stand for and in Christ is the first step in winning the battle - before you can fight you must stand. Most American Christians have become so familiar with falling and stuck in patterns of defeat that we’ve completely forgotten what it’s like to stand. Jude verse 24 promises you that He is able to keep you from falling and out of that intimacy with Him, Rom.14:4 promises that He will make you stand. The same Holy Spirit that raised Ezekiel to his feet enabling him to stand (Ez.2:1-2) is mighty in each of us today and He desires to empower us to take a stand as well. Samuel told Israel, in 1 Sam.12:16 to take a stand “and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes!” It is no different for us. If we will but take a stand for Him He will blow our minds with His own faithfulness - in our marriages, in our families, in our workplaces, in our churches, in our communities, cities, states and country. We are insufficient for the stand He has called us to take but as we take that stand in His Grace, His goodness to us, by faith we experience victory (Rom.5:2, 1 Peter 5:12) and it is in that faith that we must take our stand (Rom.11:20). Is.7:9 warns that, “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” 1 Cor.16:13-14 sums it up saying, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” We are in a battle. Most of us have become very comfortable and have forgotten what’s at stake. We have become so accustomed to defeat that we think it natural (He did not free us to loose - Gal.5:1). It is time to take a stand of faith, in His strength, courageously and in love. It is time to fight this fight to win it.
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