Stand firm in this grace

There are so many things that threaten our peace of mind, spirit and lives. It can be extreme weather conditions, like we are experiencing at the moment; challenges at work or in your family; financial strain or even worries about the future.

So, when these waves break over you, how do you manage to stand firm? What do you do? Who do you hold onto? I have been reminded again and again that the best way for me to stay strong, is to rest in the Grace of God. 

2 Chronicles 20:20 - Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm.

Psalm 33:11 - But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.

1 Corinthians 16:13 - Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.

1 Peter 5:12 - My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace.

Prayer: Lord, help me to lean upon your amazing grace and so then, to stand firm in the peace that you give to us. Amen.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Stand firm

"Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved." - Philippians 4:1

In this verse, we see how much Paul loves the church. The phrase ‘whom I love and long for’ speaks of his deep affection for the community. However, he adds something interesting to these sentiments. He urges them to Stand firm (stand fast) in the Lord. It was as if he knew that they would be confronted with many challenges, but he knew that they could get through them, if they stayed strong in the Lord. 

When Eugene Peterson reflects on the same verse, he adds these sentiments – “Don’t waver. Stay on track, steady in God.” (Message)

May we all know the strength of the Spirit as we seek to stand firm in the Lord.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Let nothing move you

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm.

Let nothing move you.  

Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, 

because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain." -
1 Corinthians 15:58 

Standing in the ocean is a therapeutic experience for me. I love it! I love the sight of the waves rising before me and then bracing myself for the imminent crash over my body. Sometimes I even move my feet deeper into the sand, giving myself a greater chance of standing firm. I find that I can withstand the waves up to a certain point, but soon a bigger wave arrives that knocks me off my feet. Quickly I need to get back onto my feet and face the next set of waves. 

This analogy can be helpful in your own spiritual walk. We are encouraged by St. Paul to 'stand firm' and to 'Let nothing move you', but what happens when we are knocked over? 

Well, I feel that we then need to rise again and bury our feet in the 'sand' of God's love and grace - in that way, we are not letting things move us or defeat us. What do you feel?

May God continue to bless you and hold you in the palm of his hand.

Living in Grace

D3LM3