Standing When Everything Is Falling (2)

Standing isn’t easy, but it is possible! The moment you commit your life to Jesus, you’re at war with Satan. And standing up to him requires staying armed. ‘Put on the full armour of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil…that you will…resist in the evil day…and…stand firm.’ (Ephesians 6:11–13 NAS) War is a casualty-laden business; you must take it as seriously as the enemy does, for the Bible says he’s out ‘...seeking someone to devour.’ (1 Peter 5:8 NAS) Be alert, but not alarmed. ‘A thousand may fall at your side…but it shall not [happen to] you.’ (Psalm 91:7 NAS) In conflict, some stand and some fall. The difference is that those who stand ‘have made the Lord…[their] dwelling place’ (Psalm 91:9 NAS), whereas those who fall ‘make flesh [their] strength.’ (Jeremiah 17:5 NAS) The truth is also that falling isn’t always preventable, but you can get over your fall! It’s not only the weak and immature who fall. Satan’s strategy includes taking out the righteous, the unrighteous, the most vulnerable and the strongest: no one is safe. ‘...A righteous man falls seven times, and rises again...’ (Proverbs 24:16 NAS) Now if the righteous fall so frequently, what’s to be anticipated from everyone else? In war no one is guaranteed immunity from attack. But, ‘...A good man… though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholds him with His hand.’ (Psalm 37:23–24 NKJV) Don’t focus on the unable, or the disabled, but on Christ the Enabler!