I know some of you will never believe this, but there was a time when I was quite athletic. At this point in my life, I still go to the gym, but only because I must. I’m still waiting for someone to open a restaurant called The Gym, so I can say today I went to the gym! I’ve been trying to watch what I eat, and I even hired a trainer who works me hard three times per week.
Early in our pastoral years, we lived in Beaufort, South Carolina, which is where marines are trained. We were young, and we had a vast number of young families in our church. Additionally, Beaufort was that laid-back, live by the beach, women’s tennis clubs, kind of place.
Though I had participated in other sports, I had never played tennis, so I decided to give it a try. I took a few lessons. I was very strong, and I had a long stride. I had played softball and was a long ball hitter, and an outfielder. I thought I knew a lot.
I would play practice tennis matches and get smoked! How could that be?
Finally, the coach watched me, and he said your problem is where you are standing. You keep charging the net. The problem with that is that balls are constantly sailing over your head. You need to stand at the back of the court, because you can run up on the ball, and you can also play the long ball. In the back of the court, you will be standing in your strong position.
He said, “I want you to stand here when you play. Whether you win or not, depends on where you choose to stand.” I put that into practice, and my doubles partner and I became one of the top teams in our league. Success came because I chose where to stand.
Two agendas are advancing in our nation and growing stronger by the day. Some might call it a war between liberals and conservatives. Others might label the situation a battle of social class or generational ideals. But, in actuality, what we are seeing unfold in front of us is an extension of the same battle that has continued since God created mankind.
God has an agenda to save, and Satan has always chosen to oppose God by seeking whom he may devour. Whatever God is doing, Satan will surely be attempting to impose the opposite.
The world today has made it increasingly difficult for many Christians to stand with God. Let’s be truthful, many are following the path of the world’s ever-changing ideals. Too often God’s people continue to change their views and align them with the world on issues such as abortion, sexuality, marriage, gender, holiness, and even if the Bible if true or relevant.
It’s time to stand in God and be strong. Notice I did not say be mean, be mouthy, be arrogant, be uncaring … not at all! Be strong and stand in the place that God’s word stands.
God has given us everything we need to stand against a world system that agrees with the enemy’s schemes. We must find the position of God and stand. Stand with God. Stand by His Word. Stand on His promise that declares He will “fight for you against your enemies to give you victory” (Deuteronomy 20:4, NIV). Stand on First Corinthians 15:57, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” There are hundreds of verses to be found concerning standing strong in the Lord and upon His promises.
Today, I once again admonish us to stand in this challenging hour. I love the way Charles Swindoll said it, “Stand firm when the wicked appear to be winning. Stand firm in times of crisis. Stand firm even when no one will know you compromised. Stand firm when big people act contemptibly small. Stand firm when people demand authority they don’t deserve. Stand firm . . . keep your head . . . stay true . . . endure!”
Stand, child of God. Stand!
“Stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.” – Philippians 1:27-28; ““Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm …” Ephesians 6:13-14 (NIV)