Stand firm in the faith

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Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

1 Corinthians 16:13 NIV

It is a well received notion that accepting Jesus into our hearts is the first step towards salvation. However, it can be argued that the actual initial step in the process is knowing who God is. People have to hear about Him, and know about Him, so that they can receive Him into their hearts.

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Romans 10:17 ESV

This knowledge precedes belief, and this belief, in turn leads to, and reinforces, faith.

This progression is important to acknowledge because it is good to remember when one might feel that they are wavering in their faith.

If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.

Matthew 17:20b NLT

That verse about faith as small as a mustard seed moving mountains can sometimes be a bit of a stumbling block. More often than not, the average Christian is not in this mindset, or heart condition. It’s not an impossible feat, of course. Nevertheless, it not the easiest to accomplish, and not the simplest lesson to learn.

Everyone has to accept that from time to time there will still be moments of doubt.

“Why are you frightened?” [Jesus] asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt?

Luke 24:38 NLT

No one is immune to this so-called weakness. Indeed, to assume exemption from this human emotion is arrogant and more than a little bit naïve.

God knows this about His children. He wrote an entire Book of instructions because He knew His people. He knew that people had to be assured and reassured always, needing constant reminders to fear not, worry not, fret not, and just have faith.

Besides, it is certain that even if somehow faith gives in to feelings and falters, there is always belief to fall back on. For once someone has known God, who He is, what He has done, and what He is capable of doing — there is no going back from this knowledge.

One cannot be exposed to fire and not be burned. And God, in His greatness, burns brighter than any flame.

How to stand firm in your faith

1. Remember who God is

Emotions can be tricky, and feelings can sometimes betray, but cold hard facts are undeniable. God is real. God is true. And God is sovereign over all. It bears repeating, and is impossible to forget. His greatness should be so grounded in the psyche that it establishes a firm foundation upon which faith can stand.

2. Never stop praying

Praying should be an established discipline. Pray daily. Pray unceasingly. Even when feelings interfere and threaten to overwhelm. Speak to the Holy Spirit, the One who is a constant presence in the hearts of all Christians. And do not just “pray until something happens”. Pray regardless. Pray, and don’t stop.

3. Always be praising

No matter what, praise God.

Are you sad? Praise God. Are you happy? Praise God. Answered prayer? Praise God. Time of waiting? praise God forevermore.

This is not talking about blind faith because of the preceding two points. It stands to reason that praise would naturally succeed the knowledge of One as great as God.

We are flawed people living in an imperfect world, and although sometimes darkness may descend upon us, we hold firm, and stand fast, in the faith we have in Jesus Christ.

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
    Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
    I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 NLT

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