Stand Firm

 "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." Isaiah 7:9

    A nonprofit group called "Americans United for Separation of Church and State" have been busy pursuing their agenda. Having caught wind of instances of prayer and proselytizing infractions at various school events in Tennessee, they dutifully wrote a letter to a school district in Putnam County reminding these offensive schools that these things will not be tolerated. "Courts have consistently ruled that prayer and proselytizing cannot be sponsored by schools or school personnel," said a school lawyer. 

    However, high school football players there took a stand for their faith by taking a knee and leading fans and parents in prayer after the game.  One fan, Bob Vick, enthused on Facebook: "Satan's power was defeated tonight as the threat of a legal action to forbid prayer after the game was overwhelmed by player-led prayer." 

    The book of Daniel tells about these three guys whose names are always listed in the same order: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They were given strict orders to bow down and worship a huge golden statue of the king. Upon their refusal, the king demanded to know what their problem was. Boldly, they stood their ground and declared, "We do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it." (Daniel 3:16, 17) They stood firm, confident in God's ability to save them. "They trusted in Him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God." (Daniel 3:28)

    The time to confirm your convictions is not when the heat of the moment arises. We must choose this day whom we will serve. Be brave! Be bold! If you want to know how to overcome the enemy, that rascally accuser and stonefaced liar, read Revelation 12:11: "They triumphed over him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony." 

    Jesus went to the cross for you. Take a stand for Him.

"Therefore 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." Ephesians 6:13