Stand Firm!

“Put on the full armour of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” – Eph. 6:11.

The above scripture advises the Christian to stand firm in these days of adversity. To remain faithful in the face of the temptations and tribulations of these times remains a huge challenge for many. All around world there is poverty staring majority of people in the face with a few lucky ones living like the unlucky majority wasted all their time being lazy and it is their fault that they cannot meet those simple expectations of their family members, relations and friends.

“Put on the full armour of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” – Eph. 6:11.

The above scripture advises the Christian to stand firm in these days of adversity. To remain faithful in the face of the temptations and tribulations of these times remains a huge challenge for many. All around world there is poverty staring majority of people in the face with a few lucky ones living like the unlucky majority wasted all their time being lazy and it is their fault that they cannot meet those simple expectations of their family members, relations and friends. Bills are mounting and there is no hope of ever meeting basic responsibilities. Living standards are dropping on a daily basis and it seems yesterday was better than today with no hope of a better tomorrow.

In the face of all the above realities and more, the first reaction to scriptural references is a complete rejection of it on the basis that it does not bring food to the table. It also becomes more convenient to reject all Christian principles especially those that refer to helping others. We are quick to see ourselves as not even having enough before talking about giving to others. Suddenly everyone begins to look inwards and Christian principles of sharing becomes obscene words to pronounce.

All the above reactions are the expected and normal human reaction but are not acceptable standards for us as Christians to live by. This is because it is at times like these that we should be able to separate believers from unbelievers. This is the real time for our light to shine so much for the world to see our good deeds and glorify our father in heaven – Matt. 5:16. These are the times that our philanthropic acts are most desired and appreciated. These are the times that we can sow with tears so we can harvest with joy – Ps. 126:5. And for those who do not have, these are the times for us to prove that we are not conditional Christians (2Tim. 4:2) like those who turned back because they were not fed like it happened the previous day by Jesus Christ (Jn. 6: 67). These indeed are the days that the Bible refers to as the trying days of trials and tribulations – 1Pet. 5:10; Jms. 1:12.

The Bible expects us to stand firm in days like these so we can overcome the tricks and antics of the devil. This is not about having plenty but about sharing what we have. This is the time for us to show how much faith we have in that Jehovah Jireh (the God that provides) that we have always talked about. It is not because we want human applause but because we want to be overcomers of the schemes of the devil – Eph. 6:11.

It is also a time to see how much depth we all have in our belief (speakers and hearers inclusive) – Jms.1:22. To stand firm requires proper rooting. A tree cannot just wish to stand firm in the day of storm if all its roots are very close to the surface, as mere wishes will not be sufficient to keep it standing. The trees that stand are those whose roots run deep. Likewise, the Christians that are able to shame the devil by standing firm in times like these will be those who have been firmly rooted in the Word of God. It is not those whose Pastors or Churches preach very wonderful sermons but those who allow such Words to be activated in their lives. It is not about the size of the congregation but the size of the impact of the Word on the congregants. It is not about the ability to preach and teach the Word but about the ability to live it. It is not a time to accumulate and open big storages but a time to open up those storages (fat Bank accounts) and share it to the needy. What we give when we are very comfortable and safe may never be as effective and significant as what we give at times like this when we are equally threatened by the same danger that we are trying to save others from.

Imagine the health workers in the frontlines and what they are sacrificing to ensure that we are all safe in our homes. They are not immuned in any way from contracting the virus but they are standing firm. Christians should also be standing firm doing the expected in the face of the imminent hunger and starvation threatening them but already consuming fellow believers.

That is what Christ’s death teaches us and we must practice to prove that we remain in his love for us – Jn. 14:15; 1Jn. 5:3. The scripture advises us not to allow anything to separate us from this love of Christ as that is what the foundation of our Christian faith is all about – Rom. 8:35-39.

When we do this we are able to reduce the burden on others and so save them from backsliding in the face of these trials and tribulations, after all we are supposed to be our brother’s keeper and more importantly we are able to demonstrate our firmness in Lord and His Word.

The prevailing situation may be introducing doubts with questions like those below (and other similar questions) creeping into one’s thoughts:

1. Will I survive this trial and tempting period since I have nothing?
2. If I give what I have, what will I eat as I am not sure that I can survive with what I have?
   My answer for you is to stand firm in his promises for you as found in the scriptures one of which is that if you give, He will return your good gesture in multiple folds – Lk 6:38. God is able to do all that He has says He will do (Eph. 3:20) and your situation will not be an exception. He remains faithful in all situations because he can’t deny himself – 2Tim. 2:13.

To ensure you stand firm now and throughout your Christian life, extend your Christian roots deeper by reading and meditating on His Words. I pray that He helps us all to remain standing during these testing periods and beyond in Jesus name.