Stand Fast!

When I was in the Navy and we were given the command  to: ”Stand fast!” it meant to stop! Hold up! Stay where you are! Don’t move! Freeze!  But most of all, it meant to hold what you’ve got and don’t retreat even one inch!  The person who gave the order was always a senior officer, one who knew that his command was absolutely right and necessary for the situation we were in.  We trusted him because he was in charge and we did what he told us to do without question.

Over the years since then, I can remember many times when I’ve struggled with personal, financial or health problems over which I had very little control.  It was hard. Many times I wanted to quit, dodge the responsibility and just – run away.  The temptation to quit was great.

Fortunately, I had by that time become a Christian and I’d learned to put my trust in God.  I’d learned Bible verses like: “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him.” (Rom. 8:28). And: ”Blessed are you when men hate you and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!  Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy…”(Luke 6:22-23).

Even so, there were times when I’d find myself pleading in anguish, saying to God in prayer, ”But God…!”

God’s gentle, patient answer to me, and I’m sure it can be almost the same for you is: “The battle is mine, not yours.”  So we must never give in, never give up, never quit.  Rejoice in this day! Leap for joy! Always thank the Lord for the problems. Trust him to work out good solutions that benefit us in the long run.   Then, as we wait for him to act, we should, in a firm manner, do our best to obey his commands and be sure to – stand fast!

Terry L. Weber   http://www.originalsbyweber.com

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