A man standing in the desert. (Photo by Spencer Davis from Pexels)Have you ever felt pressured by your peers or situations that you sometimes struggle to stand your ground as a Christian?
Being the light and salt of a distracted world is challenging, and if we are not strong enough, the world will influence us rather than bring us closer to God. This struggle is especially true for younger generations. They are an easy target of the enemy.
Many young people are swayed by their peers in school and struggle to show their identities as Christians because they are afraid to be “canceled” in their circle. But, the more they give in to what the world accepts, the more they tend to disobey God.
Moreover, for adults facing many adversities, it is also challenging for them to stand firm in their faith. Those who do not know where and how to stand amidst trials are depressed and destroyed.
Thus, we must know how to stand for what is right in God’s sight as His ambassadors.
What does it mean to stand on your ground?
A man looking at the mountain. (Photo by Roman Odintsov from Pexels)To stand on your ground means to refuse to change position. Besides, it means to say “No” to retreat or lose your advantage in the face of opposition.
It means having an unshakeable faith regardless of challenges and obstacles in life.
Our ground is our identity in Jesus Christ when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior. Standing on our ground means protecting who we are in Jesus no matter what happens. Besides, it is about commitment.
We commit to living in His values and promoting His characters in society. So, how do we protect ourselves from the schemes of the enemy?
How to stand on your ground?
A man standing on a cliff. (Photo by Dastan Khdir from Pexels)Christians are called to stand their ground regardless of the situation. We are here to make an impact and difference. We only do things that please and glorify the Lord, even if it disagrees with the majority’s perception.
It is pretty challenging, right? So here are some ways to help us to stand firm in our identity.
Embrace God-given authority
Luke 9:1 says, “When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases.”
Jesus Christ has already given us the power and authority to cast out the enemy and to heal diseases. We just have to embrace it with wide-open arms.
Satan will deceive us for us to focus on our weaknesses so we cannot fully embrace our identity. In Christ, we are empowered and authorized to stand on our ground to protect ourselves from distraction.
When we fully embrace that power, we can see how we can be strong enough to face temptations and adversities in life.
Put on the full armor of God
For soldiers to protect their country during wars, they wear their full armor. The same is true for us Christians every day. We face different battles in life, whether people can see it or we are dealing with it silently. However, we cannot protect our ground without having the right gear.
Ephesians 6:11 says, “ Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Also, verse 13 says, “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.”
What is the full armor of God?
The belt of truth buckled around your waist, the breastplate of righteousness in place, and readiness fitted on your feet comes from the gospel of peace. Also, the shield of faith can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Lastly, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit is God’s word. (Ephesians 6:14-17)
God has given us the wisdom on what to wear to stand our ground. Wear it, and you will see how your life will be different.
Pray on all occasions
Prayer is our power. We cannot live and conquer the day without prayer. We should not be afraid to talk to God about everything, especially when it comes to our struggles. God is the most understanding father.
He loves it when we are open to Him and ask for His help to stand on our ground.
Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
God will give you His peace so that you may protect your heart and mind.
Eat spiritual food daily
Eating healthy food gives our body the nourishment and energy we need. We also need spiritual food for our spiritual nourishment to fight against our enemies.
Ephesians 6:12 says our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
We must read the Bible and meditate on it day and night so that we may not be discouraged. Also, faith comes from hearing God’s words, attending church, and listening to God’s message.
These are some ways for us to feed our spiritual needs.
Declare your faith
Our mouth is so powerful to help us stand our ground. Remember God’s words and promises and speak them out whenever you are under pressure, worries, or trials in life. It would help you remind yourself of what matters most.
Just like David in Psalms 42:6-7, he talked to his soul and asked why he felt down but declared that he would remember God and hope in him.
Speak out your faith. Speak out God’s promises, which will help you be brave enough to conquer your fears and stand on your identity in Jesus Christ.
Bible verses for courage
An open Bible. (Photo by Pexels User from Pexels)Speaking of God’s words and promises, let us dive into these amazing Bible verses that we can remember, especially when our ground is being tested and shaken.
1. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).
2. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go (Joshua 1:7).
3. David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you” (1 Chronicles 28:20).
4. Even if you go and fight courageously in battle, God will overthrow you before the enemy, for God has the power to help or to overthrow (2 Chronicles 25:8).
5. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him” (2 Chronicles 32:7).
Better to be judged by the world than be judged by God
Always remember that what matters most is not the validation of this world but of God alone. We may struggle in standing our ground and protecting who we are in Jesus Christ, but remember our prize.
When the time comes, we will all face God and tell Him how we stand on our ground despite the difficulties. Be firm in your faith.
Republished with permission from Blogs.crossmap.com, featuring inspiring Bible verses about How to stand on your ground?.
