Now, I must stand! We may think about standing up for ourselves, standing up for someone else or standing for a cause. There is an important stance that those of us who profess to serve God must practice. We are able to have a relationship with the Most High when we stand in faith we strengthen that relationship.

It All Begins With LOVE

Our relationship with God is to be one of love. God, our Maker designed us in His image to love and be loved. Love is the commodity we all desire, inherently. There have been all sorts of studies that show how important love is to human development. God has commanded us to love each other because He possessed the knowledge of what causes us to thrive—before the findings of the studies were compiled.

Studies show that more than providing food and shelter for infants or children, in order for them to thrive, they require love. That love, often defined by nurturing, empathy, compassion, closeness or an outgoing concern, which caused endowment of more than food and shelter. God offers His love to us.

As a loving Father He requires our obedience. That obedience is not so that He can have more power, prestige, or value. The obedience He requires is for our own good. He loves us so much. He has given us operating instructions by which we can live our best life, according to His will.  Obedience to God’s commandments are a blessing and benefit to us.

To strengthen that relationship we are provided a physical guide empowering us to gather information about Him. In that word He tells us to seek Him first and that all things will be added. (Matthew 6:33)

Love, and our love for God requires us to do something. Love is demonstrated by action. As I move through this season of my life I am required to stand in love; for God and myself, yet again.

LOVE’S Instruction

My favorite writer, the Apostle Paul, speaks of how we are to stand in his letter to the church at Ephesus as recorded in Ephesians chapter six beginning at verse 14 he writes:

“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” (KJV)

Paul talks about truth. We are to find the truth of who we are in the word of God. He talks about the breastplate of righteousness. God’s righteousness is reflected by the commitment of our life to do the will of God through the right actions towards ourselves and those around us. Those actions are highlighted by being godly, having a right relationship with Him. Speaking next of peace, Paul deals with the harmony and concord that connects us with God and others.

Above all, (verse 16) as we stand, we are to have our faith as a shield. A powerful statement. It illustrates that we are to have confidence in God and His ability. The Greek word used here for faith, indicates a conviction God exists, and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider who has bestowed eternal salvation through Christ. Additionally regarding Christ, that He is the Messiah through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God.

Paul has much more to say on the topic, for brevity I will not include it all here. Please take the time to review yourself for it is upon these things we are told to stand.

Earlier in the same chapter, verse 12 Paul affirms “we wrestle not against the flesh”. As you live your life in purpose and I live mine, we are to stand in faith. Understanding that the worst that can happen to us are those negative experiences we have now. Untold blessings await those who love God. Remember where we are to lay our treasure.

In the book of Matthew we are reminded: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (KJV Matthew 6:19-21)

A Spiritual Stand

As I go through this major trial in my life, I must stand for myself. I have taken a stand for countless whom have found themselves unloved. Interceded for those unaware of their inherent giftedness. Guided numerous individuals uncertain about how their gifts were to be used. I have stood empathetically in love.

Now I must stand for me, yet again with the confidence and conviction of my faith, based on my enduring relationship with LOVE. For God is LOVE and I know that His will shall be done.

Who or what do you stand for?

Take Inventory and Take Action! Stand in faith, no matter what it looks like in the flesh. The battle is in the spirit.

Love,

Deborah

“Lighting the path to loving your neighbor as yourself.”