By: Gwen Hitt

 

Standing Firm

 

Ephesians 6:13  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.

 

When I was a teacher in the classroom, I can remember utilizing the Four Corners Cooperative Learning technique. My students were presented with four options and instructed to move to the specific corner of the room designated for the option that was selected. Afterwards, students were given the opportunity to justify their decisions by engaging in meaningful dialogue with others who had the same or differing viewpoints. 

 

I soon realized that for this strategy to work, it was vital for the students to write their answer/option on a piece of paper before reporting to the designated areas of the room.  This was critical because the students had a tendency to go to the corner selected by their friends. One reason for this was that the students wanted to fit in.  They were not strong enough in their convictions to support their choice. It was less threatening to just agree with the majority. 

 

Isn't that exactly what we have done at times? I know that I have found myself in this type of situation. I wanted to be strong in my convictions BUT..... I allowed insecurity or my need of acceptance to guide my actions and cause me to waver in that crucial moment of CHOICE. My wavering may have simply been entertaining gossip. However, I desire for ALL of my actions to be pleasing to the Lord.

 

I challenge you today to put on the full armor of God as detailed in Ephesians 6 (salvation, righteousness, truth, faith, His Word, and peace). This armor will equip you to handle the difficult situations that you face daily in a Christ-like manner. There will always be options available to you--some good, some not so good.  It is up to you to make your stand daily. No one else can do it for you.   My advice to you is to run to God's corner and then STAND FIRM in His ways!

 

Dear Lord, I know that I will face many tough situations in my lifetime in which I will have to make choices. I pray that I will always be guided by the words of Joshua 24:15  "But as for me and my household, we will serve The Lord" AND that at the end, I will be STANDING and proclaiming God's praises. 

 

I thank You Jesus for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life. In the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen.