This Is the Time to Stand

Do you ever feel discouraged at all that is going on around us? Do you ever wonder how we’re supposed to live for Christ in a culture where to do so is not only unpopular but becoming increasingly difficult? Do you ever get just a bit scared at the thought of all that we may be facing? I know I have. But the word of God reminds us that it is “for such a time as this” that we are on this earth.

I’m not saying that we’re facing persecution here in the U.S. or that we’re going to anytime real soon, although of course that is possible. But it’s impossible not to notice that the darkness increases day by day. Today, I want to encourage you to shine brightly in that darkness. Now is not the time to back down or to run in fear and defeat. It is the time to stand.

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved (Philippians 4:1).

Why We Stand

The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write these words to believers long ago, but this admonition is just as relevant now as it was then. Notice the word “therefore”—this indicates that a reason for this encouragement was already given. So, let’s look at the last verses of Philippians 3: “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself (Philippians 3:20-21).”

Jesus is coming again! We know that all the craziness that is going on, all the evil that has seemed to take over this world, will ultimately be used of the God Who can make the wrath of man to praise Him, to work out His plan for the ages. Jesus Christ will return, and the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever. Hallelujah! 😊 We know that someday soon He is going to come and straighten everything out. Right now, man is living out his depraved rebellion against God, but there is coming a day when God will say, “Enough!” and the Lord Jesus will come and take His rightful throne. The Bible says in 2 Peter 3:9 that the reason the Lord tarries is because He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. I’m thankful for that, aren’t you?

So therefore…because this life is not the end, because Jesus is coming again, because He will take us to live with Him for all eternity, because for every true believer there is a better day coming, stand fast! Don’t despair, don’t give in. Hang in there. It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!

And there’s another reason: there are still souls to be won. There is still a message to take. We can’t give up now. More than ever, people are hopeless, empty, and searching—and frightened. They are looking for security, for peace, for hope in a world gone mad. We have the answer—Jesus Christ. Someday, He’s going to call us to dwell with Him for all eternity. But He has not yet. We are here to continue to fulfil the great commission: “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15).” We are to witness until He calls us home. If He returns for us now, I want to be found faithful, don’t you?

How We Stand

This spiritual battle we are in is real, and it is intense. It often has physical manifestations (as in persecution). But we follow the One who is Victor. “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world (John 4:4).” We don’t wrestle against flesh and blood, but against an enemy that is far more powerful than we are. Yet, within us is Jesus Christ who is more powerful than our enemy. We fight a winning battle! Praise God!

Standing is a position of identification. We stand with Christ. On a practical level, do you know what and why you believe? Can you support your beliefs from Scripture? Most importantly, do you know Whom you have believed? That confidence that Paul expressed in 2 Timothy 1:12 was why he counted not his life dear unto himself but gave up everything for Christ.

Standing is a position of readiness. From a standing position, you can fight, drop to your knees to pray, or quickly assist others. Are we sitting down lazily, or are we alert and involved? Standing is also a position of strength. Are we relying on the Lord? Are we drawing strength from His word? If so, we can stand with confidence.

Standing isn’t about “being right” or holding forth my own opinions, even if they may be right. We must stand with grace and love—not pride or anger. It’s about holding onto the Lord and His Word no matter what the cost.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (Ephesians 6:10-12).

We know that these verses preface what we call the armor of God—a description of what God has provided every believer so that we can be victorious in this battle. Notice that we are not told to run in the evil day, but to stand. So dear friend, I would encourage you: look beyond the human, look beyond the evil and the darkness, and look to the One Who is victorious and Who is within you. As you look to Him, your life will shine with the light of His presence and your purpose for being here in this dark world will be fulfilled. Upheld by His grace, let’s stand with Him!