Episode 115: How To Stand Firm
When we first come to faith, it feels like we’ll always conquer mountains and see the results of strong belief…and then comes life.
The Apostle Peter was knocked down on more than one occasion, but he got back up and kept maturing. The benefit of his wisdom trickles down to us in his writing to the church in 1 Peter 5:6-10. Peter wrote these verses during the first devastating wave of persecution against the church in the reign of Nero (AD 54-68), yet his words are as powerful to believers today as they were then.
Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God and HE will exalt you at the proper time, casting ALL your anxiety upon Him because He cares for you.
Often, we find ourselves striving for success, approval, or the fulfillment of personal ambition. To humble ourselves means we chose to lay our agenda down. We trust that HE has the right time to lift us up or promote us. To do this we can:
Take a supporting role rather than an “out-front’ role as often as possible.
Frame things mentally with God getting the glory, not you getting the glory.
Take a break from things that drive you away from peace and God’s simple beauty. This may be things like social media, certain TV shows, or people that don’t help you stay close to Jesus.
We can cast ALL our anxiety upon Him, not just a portion of it, because He cares for us. What a joy it is to be invited to throw anxiety on Him rather than carry it. He wants it. He’s asked you for it. You can hand it over!
In verses 8-9 Peter says to stay sober and alert, to resist the devil, standing firm in our faith.
Peter describes the devil as a “roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” This is no joke. If we’re not sober and alert, we’ll never have the power to resist and stand firm. Reach out to other believers and ask them to pray with you—and over you—if you find yourself struggling. The devil will try to press on your old wounds and create new ones. If you’re aware…he can’t scare.
Finally, verse 10 gives a golden promise of power and hope as Peter assures that after you’ve suffered for a little while, God HIMSELF will perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
Imagine that God, Himself, is on your side. God is not only preparing you for what He’s called you to, He’s actively making it happen in His time frame for your good!
Gutsy Faith Challenge: Memorize these verses and say them multiple times each day. They will be your guide and guardrails.
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