Stand Firm

Therefore my brothers,

whom I love and long for,

my joy and crown,

stand firm thus in the Lord, 

my beloved.

Philippians 4:1

Stand firm as citizens of heaven 

knowing that a Day is coming when Jesus will return, 

that the pain of these wearing out bodies, and this sad, sad world will be done, 

that the One you serve will wield and even now does wield his power, his unmitigated power for you.

Stand firm knowing that on that Day 

every knee will bow, 

every tongue confess 

that this Jesus Christ is Lord.

Stand firm 

shoulder to shoulder with true brothers and true sisters who are partners in the gospel, 

with men and women who have loved you, discipled you, and taught you to walk according to the Word, 

with those you have mentored and encouraged to walk as you walk, 

with your eyes riveted of the face of Christ, pressing toward the prize.

Stand firm

unwavering, 

unyielding, 

unaffected by any trial, barrier, or test that comes your way.

Stand firm

not in your strength or your flesh, 

not in the strength of anyone or anything else, 

but only in the Lord…

your Rock, your Fortress, your Strong Tower, 

your Comforter, Keeper,

your Redeemer, Restorer

your Savior.

In Christ … stand firm.

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling,

and to make you stand in the presence of his glory blameless with great joy, 

to the only God our Savior

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

be glory, majesty, dominion and authority

before all time, and now, and forever…Amen

Jude 1:24-25

When you are facing a trial or a challenge, what helps you to stand firm in the Lord?  Please leave a comment!

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