From Best-Selling Christian Author Suzanne D. Williams
My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace. (1Pe 5:12 NLT)
I’m standing in a moment between life and death, between success and poverty, between peace and the sword. What happens next is based solely on my influence, the steps I take, how I react, the words I speak.
I can complain and argue and worry and relate my fears, or I can stand in faith for the victory that’s been bought for me.
I can choose death and the effects of death – sorrow, turmoil, grief, unhappiness, sickness, instability, fear – or I can choose life and watch God change my circumstances, my troubles at home, at work, at school. My thought patterns. (Deu 30:19)
I can agree with the lies of Satan and stay focused on only what I see, what I feel, the damage that’s been done to me, or I can look forward with the eyes of faith and refuse to turn loose of God’s promises.
I will not give up, O Christian! In the darkest moment, in the midst of the storm, my emotions shattered, I will speak words of encouragement. I can do this! He has made me tall enough, strong enough, wise enough.
He has equipped me and having done all to stand, I will keep standing. I have the God of ages on my side. Power that parted a sea and drowned an entire enemy army, mercy that dripped manna each morning for His people, grace that caused a 16-year-old girl to give birth to the Savior of the world without any physical actions on her part. (Eph 6:13)
Just words. I will. I believe. I can do this. And God made a way where there wasn’t one. He created life in her that shouldn’t have existed.
This is the kind of God He is, and these are His instructions to me. To you. Awaken and stand firm. Teeth gritted, hands clenched, eyes forward, shield lifted, sword unsheathed. For the battle is His, and the end result guaranteed. If we will take hold of it.
If we will stand and walk, roll up our mat, and ignore the voices of doubt around us, listening instead to the words of the Holy Spirit. Holding hands with those who have gone on before, who know, who have seen His goodness, we will walk through the valley of shadows into God’s miraculous light. (Ps 23:4; Mt 9:6)
Failure asks, “Who do you think you are? You’re too young, too old, too uneducated, too broken, too depressed.”
But God: Remember to stay alert and hold firmly to all that you believe. Be mighty and full of courage. (1Co 16:13-14 TPT)
The voice of defeat speaks, “You will never achieve that. You are unable, inept, insufficient. It’s too hard, too much work, too expensive.”
But God: Keep your eyes open, hold fast to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, and love without stopping. (1Co 16:13-14 MSG)
Your neighbor, coworker, supposed friend tells you, “There is no way you can do this. It’s too big. Too hard. This is just the way life is.”
But God: And by standing firm with patient endurance you will find your souls’ deliverance.” (Lk 21:19 TPT)
There are thousands of voices speaking around me, but I will hear only the voice of the Master. I will follow Him and stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord. (2Chr 20:17; Jn 10:27) He has decreed it.
— More For Your Heart —
Love the Lord your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul.” (Jos 22:5 NLT)
Moses spoke to the people: “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and watch God do his work of salvation for you today. (Ex 14:30 MSG)
Then Samuel addressed the house of Israel: “… ground yourselves firmly in God, worship him and him alone, and he’ll save you from Philistine oppression.” (1Sa 7:3 MSG)
He will be standing firm like a flourishing tree planted by God’s design, deeply rooted by the brooks of bliss, bearing fruit in every season of his life. He is never dry, never fainting, ever blessed, ever prosperous. (Ps 1:3 TPT)
They will never be shaken; they will stand firm forever. (Ps 15:5 TPT)
They will not live in fear or dread of what may come, for their hearts are firm, ever secure in their faith. (Ps 112:7 TPT)
So now, beloved ones, stand firm and secure. Live your lives with an unshakable confidence. We know that we prosper and excel in every season by serving the Lord, because we are assured that our union with the Lord makes our labor productive with fruit that endures. (1Co 15:58 TPT)
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. (1Co 16:13 NLT)
Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. (Eph 6:11 NLT)
Hold firmly to the word of life (Php 2:16 NLT)
But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. (Col 1:23 NLT)
All those prayers are coming together now so you will do this well, fearless in your struggle, keeping a firm grip on your faith and on yourself. After all, this is a fight we’re in. (1Ti 1:18-19 MSG)
Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don’t be diverted. Just keep at it. (1Ti 4:15-16 MSG)
It’s crucial that we keep a firm grip on what we’ve heard so that we don’t drift off. (Heb 2:1 MSG)
So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. (Heb 10:22 MSG)
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