| Just Stand Pt. 2 Oct. 22, 2008 |
rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. As we discussed last week, Daniel could have easily thrown up his hands and walked away from God but he didn't because he knew that there was more going on than what he could see. He knew that God had not abandoned him. So the fear of being thrown in the lion's den did not overtake Daniel because he knew no matter how hungry the lions were, God's plan was bigger than them. So let's apply this lesson to our own lives. We have to learn how to condition ourselves (as Daniel did) so that we will not break stride or miss a beat every time the enemy comes "a huffin' and a puffin'". That is why Paul says in Ephesians, "...and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore..." We have to condition ourselves to the point where we don't know how to do anything else but stand. We don't know how to do anything else but believe. We don't know how to do anything else but be obedient. Doubt and fear will no longer be a part of our vocabulary. Hope and faith will be all that we know. But just like soldiers, our skills are best sharpened when put to the test. When we have to act quickly and depend heavily on our instincts. That is when our faith is tried and our true reliance is revealed. The reconditioning of our minds will take time and may cause us to endure much pain and tears. But we can be encouraged, for as Daniel walked in obedience to God, God brought him through totally unscathed. God promises to do the same for us if we will just stand. If we do what we are suppose to do, then God will surely bring us through. For as it says in James 1:12, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." I hope you enjoyed reading the word of God in a new light. Have a Happy Wednesday! God Bless, Minister Tommy and Sister Shatika Gray |