Stand firm on your knees

There are times when you need to stand firm in your faith. No doubt about it. You can get pushed (or body checked) off-centre by a variety of forces or false teachings—unless you are standing firm.

One of my favourite verses from 1 Corinthians 15 is verse 58. Paul had just taught them about the centrality of the resurrection, about our ultimate hope, and about our decisive victory over death itself. In light of all this he says: “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

Since the victory of our powerful and resurrecting God is beyond doubt, we can have confidence that our work as his hands and feet will never be wasted. He finishes what he starts!

But standing firm doesn’t mean being harsh, dismissive or disrespectful. Humility is listed time and time again as a virtue for God’s people. I was recently talking to Joseph Bae, a cherished colleague and a lead pastor at Vaughan Community Church. He said something which captured the twin ideas of standing firm but in a humble way:

“Stand firm on your knees.”

I love that. It is a reminder to stand firm and to assume a posture of humility and prayer, which itself is an acknowledgement that our battles are not against flesh and blood, but against the “spiritual forces of evil” (Ephesians 6:12).

The throne belongs to God. His word is eternal. Love is not optional.

There are times when you need to stand firm. Every single one of those times is a time for humility.

“Stand firm on your knees.”

Notes:

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.

–“Is the persecution of Christians coming to Canada? – A talk with Paul Carter.” This podcast may be of interest. What is persecution? How is it different from losing influence? What advice might the apostle Peter have for us today? I really enjoyed this talk and the powerful insights Paul Carter shares. Click here to listen, or look for ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ wherever you subscribe to podcasts: iTunes (Apple), Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or TuneIn.