Got it. Surely I can do that.

These two words (stand firm) show up in Scripture many times. When they show up in the Old Testament, it is usually in the face of something that seems completely insurmountable.

Take for example when Moses and the Israelites were at the edge of the Red Sea with the Egyptians coming after them. What were they going to do? Looking in the faces of those people, Moses boldly told them, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. ¹⁴ The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:13-14)

What happened next was crazy as the Red Sea parted and the Angel of the Lord stood between the Egyptians and the Israelites as they headed across. The Lord delivered.

We see the words again in 2 Chronicles 20:17 with King Jehoshaphat. A “vast army” was coming against the Israelites and the king led them to the Lord and this is what the Lord said: “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’”

The Lord showed up again. He just does that over and over. Notice in both instances, though, before “STAND FIRM” comes “Do not be afraid.”

Why?

Easy answer? Because they were already afraid. They saw or anticipated the battle, the pain, the chaos, and they were already afraid. Surely I would never do that…

Oh, but we do.

We see the mountain in front of us.

We become intimidated, afraid of what could come or what could be, forgetting WHO IS. Doubt and fear can seep right into our hearts.

I love how God addresses this up front. He clears out the yuck (fear, doubt) and then gives instruction: STAND FIRM.

These same two words show up in the New Testament as well.

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13)

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)

“So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.” (2 Thessalonians 2:15)

“You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” (James 5:8)

STAND FIRM – it says it over and over. It’s a simple matter of obedience.

But there’s more to it.

Obedience is a good reason to STAND FIRM. We love the Lord with our whole heart and that love draws us to obedience. It’s what we do for Him, but Jesus throws a unique perspective into it.

He said, “By standing firm you will gain life.” (Luke 21:19)

I LOVE this!! Only God does stuff like this. Only He can take what He asks of us in obedience and turn it into a gift beyond our imagination.

We gain LIFE – not mediocre, survival life, but abundant life! (John 10:10)

That’s a gift, and one I desire with my whole being.

The challenge for today is to STAND FIRM, be obedient in today, and see what the Lord will do. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. By standing firm we will gain life.

Where are you standing today? What has God called you to do?

Kori Yates loves adventure. Her former life as a Marine and ongoing stint as an Army wife has given her just that. Desiring to bring together Christian military women and impact a globe for Christ, she has helped launch Planting Roots. Through events, online Bible study, and a social media community, their prayer is for revival among military women. Kori is also an author (Olive Drab Pom-Poms) and speaker, as well as a homeschooling mom of two amazing kids and wife to one awesome Soldier.