Stand

The godly may trip… but they will get up again.

Proverb 24:16 NLT

A toddler learning to stand and walk brings such excitement.

Each time she tries to stand on her own and take a step, you hold your breath a little and wonder will she do it this time?

Okay, she is standing finally and now she lets go. She wavers a little.

Will this step… this time… lead to her journey of walking?

And then… she tumbles over… no, not yet!

She tries to stand again.

This makes me think of my Christian walk with Jesus.

And calls to mind this verse…

The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked (Proverb 24:16 NLT).

At times in the past, I have felt like that toddler trying to walk spiritually with Jesus before I learned to stand. I seem to get it, but I trip in a disaster and stop for a while.

Then, Jesus encourages me, nudges me, so I get up and try again.

I must learn to stand spiritually first… before I can walk.

Do you know what helped me learn to keep on standing spiritually through the disasters? This verse…

Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:10-11 CSB).

I learned that I can only stand firm in the Lord’s strength… this is the key!

I may prepare to stand by choosing daily to accept… God’s truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the word of God and praying in the Spirit for everything (Ephesians 6:14-18 CSB).

But it is truly the Lord’s strength that actually helps me stand firm.

Father, in the quiet of my heart You speak to me… whispering “Trust Me to strengthen you to stand firm, child.” Lord, Help me and all believers everywhere to stand firm and boldly explain the gospel. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

Stacy A. Davis