STANDING
If you asked Robert Samuel what he did today, he might reply, “I just stood around.” Because that’s what he does. Every day. In fact, that’s how he earns his living: just standing around. Robert Samuel is a professional “stander.” It’s a simple job. He hires himself out to stand in line for other people, earning up to $1000 per week.
I admit my first impression was, "That’s got to be the most boring job on the planet." Just imagine waiting in line at the DMV all day! But let's think further. By multitasking he could get lots of stuff done: phone calls, paying bills, catching up on his reading... Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad after all.
In some ways followers of Jesus are commissioned as professional “standers.” Ephesians 6:13-14 tells us to, “Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm...” That’s our job description. We stand on the finished work of Jesus at the cross. We stand on the power of Jesus in the resurrection. We stand on the authority Jesus has given us in His ascension. “Stand firm.” That’s how we do battle. Jesus has already defeated Satan at the cross (Colossians 2:15). I don’t need to chase down the devil, or go on “demon patrol.” We can confidently “stand” in our victory in Jesus, because we’ve already won!
“Standing” doesn’t translate into idly twiddling our thumbs in fidgeting monotony. Immediately following his admonition to “stand,” five times Paul tells us to “pray” (Ephesians 6:18-20). We pray, and we pray, and we trust in God’s power. It’s not always as easy as it sounds. It’s a continuous dance of surrendering to Jesus as He leads us.
Yes, in that process, the enemy attacks, as he bombards our hearts with fear and shame. But those fearful thoughts can bounce off us like foam bullets. We boldly “stand” in our identity in Christ, knowing He’s already won. We rest in His peace that is “more wonderful than the human mind can understand” (Philippians 4:7). That doesn’t sound so bad, does it? Let's take our stand on Jesus. Let's rest in Him. And like Robert Samuel, let’s embrace our calling as professional “standers.”
Principle: I can confidently stand in the victory Jesus won at the cross.
Ponder:
What are some of the fears that Satan bombards my heart with?
How can I "stand my ground" when he attacks?
Promise: "When bad times come, you will be able to stand strongly. You will not fall" (Ephesians 6:13, EEB).
Prayer: "Lord Jesus, thank you for your victory at the cross. I take my stand on you. Remind me of your victory when times of fear overtake me."
Perceptions: Record any ideas God puts on your heart from today's devotional through journaling, art, poetry, etc.