Standing Firm In Faith

Standing firm through faith is one of those things we know we should do in our heads, but the practical application can be much more difficult. We want to do what right, but we keep finding ourselves wandering into sin like Paul in Romans 7:15,

“For I don’t know what I am doing. For I don’t practice what I desire to do, but what I hate, that I do.”

Spiritual perseverance can be rare commodity.

Thankfully, God doesn’t expect us to be perfect. He just expects us to grow and to mature in our relationship with Him. And part of that process involves learning how to stand firm in faith.

It’s easy to wander out of a relationship with God, yet it’s impossible to wander into one. Standing firm in faith means being intentional in our walk with the Lord. It involves making certain practices a regular part of our lives. It requires spiritual discipline, and a renewed mindset that puts our focus squarely on God and His plans for our lives.

There are some powerful tools we must have in our toolbox to help us stand firm in faith. These tools include:

• Spending time with God

This is cultivated through intentional, daily habits like prayer. Bible study, and meditation on God’s Word. These serve as tools to deepen the relationship.

A good acronym to remember is the S.O.A.P method

• S – Scripture
• O – Observation
• A – Application
• P – Prayer

Prayer and Bible study help us stay connected to God. Sharing our hearts with Him and hearing what He says in His word.

• Resist temptation

When we learn to stand firm in faith, we will undoubtably face challenges. We will be tempted to fight battles we cannot fight alone, that’s why we need God.

As much as we may want to, we should avoid the urge to take on more than we can handle. Just as a recovering alcoholic shouldn’t go to the bar with his buddies thinking he can not have a drink. We need to evaluate every situation and make the best decision according to God’s will. We cannot put ourselves in bad situations and expect God to protect us. Matthew 4:7 says “You shall not test the Lord your God.”

When we give into those urges we can easily fall into the very sin we want to avoid. That’s the time to slow down and evaluate the situation. Ask God to help and act with the wisdom that He can provide. His word promises that He will help us in every temptation.

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands be careful that he doesn’t fall. No temptation had taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” -1 Corinthians 10:12-13

• Expect persecution

Throughout the book of 1st Peter, he spoke of the principles of standing firm in faith included expecting persecution and suffering. Explaining that they were a part of following Jesus and standing firm in faith. Expecting hard things and knowing we need to lean into those storms for God’s glory (1 Peter 1:3-9, 3:13-22, 4:12-19).

I think this is something most churches don’t teach. That we need to embrace the struggle, know I g that it will help us stand firm in this life to experience God’s affirmation in the next.

For myself, I would rather know everything going on in any situation, so that I know what to expect at any given time. And I am definitely not one who likes people “sugar coating” the truth.

• Build a team

While we learn to stand firm in our faith, it is important to build a team around us that will help us stay grounded. People (at least in my town) say “I don’t need to go to church.” I think that’s one of Satan’s lies he tells people to get people out of the will of God. Church isn’t about “putting up with people” it’s about spiritual protection, accountability, and being part of a unified body rather than being isolated. If there’s a reason going to church isn’t possible, it’s important to get involved with a Bible study or prayer meeting. Being part of a “church flock” keeps us protected from spiritual dangers.

• Use your spiritual gifts

God has given us spiritual gifts to help us to stand firm in faith. If you don’t know what yours are there are plenty of free tests online that can give you insight. Here are a few good ones:

• Churchgrowth.org
• Spiritualgifttest.com

Spiritual gifts allow us to serve others and grow in our own walks with God. As we learn our spiritual gifts for His glory, it will become easier to stand firm.

Through the process of learning to stand firm in faith, keep your eyes on Jesus, because eternity can’t be underestimated.

It’s important to cultivate a relationship with Jesus, because faith means nothing if we don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus.