In a world where truth seems increasingly under attack, how do we as believers stand firm? Recent events have reminded us that standing for truth can come at a great cost. Yet even in these dark moments, we're called to remain steadfast in our faith.
When truth is under attack, we must be clear about what we're standing on:
Jesus Christ is the truth. While churches and organizations will inevitably disappoint us at some point, Jesus will never let you down. He is our rock, our foundation, our security.
As believers, we must recognize that our hope isn't in people or institutions but in Christ alone. All other ground is sinking sand. Finances will fail, health will deteriorate, but Christ and His truth will always stand.
Jesus is "the same yesterday, today, and forever." This consistency is our comfort. If you were saved yesterday, you're still saved today, and you'll be saved tomorrow, not because of your faithfulness but because of His.
Our salvation isn't based on our performance but on Christ's finished work. This gives us a firm foundation when everything else seems to be shifting.
When was the last time you felt convicted about something? The Bible teaches that conviction is evidence of our relationship with God. Those whom God loves, He disciplines.
If you never feel that inner voice saying "this isn't right" or "you need to change this," you should examine your relationship with God. Conviction reveals truth and helps us grow in our faith.
"Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary, the devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8)
Satan has specific targets in his attacks against believers:
The enemy seeks to shake your confidence in God. He wants us walking in fear rather than faith. Remember that "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).
In Genesis 3, Satan's first attack was to make Eve question God's word: "Has God indeed said...?" He still uses this tactic today, trying to make us doubt God's goodness, power, and promises.
Satan targets your testimony and integrity. He wants to taint your character, not because he cares about your name, but because he wants to attack the name of Jesus that lives inside you.
When your testimony is compromised, it's like spitting in the face of Jesus, and that's all the enemy cares about.
The devil aims to divide God's people and weaken the church. He knows that a divided house cannot stand, so he works to create division in families, churches, and communities.
This explains the intense attack on families today. Marriages are being destroyed, and children are caught in the middle. Satan knows that dividing is the first step to conquering.
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds." (2 Corinthians 10:4)
God has equipped us with powerful tools to stand against these attacks:
The power of Christ's finished work is our ultimate weapon. Have you been to the foot of the cross? Have you experienced the redemption that comes only through Jesus' sacrifice?
If you haven't placed your faith in Christ's work on the cross, nothing else matters. This is where victory begins.
Prayer connects us directly to the Commander-in-Chief of our lives. Have you spoken with Him this week, not just routine prayers, but heart-to-heart communication?
As a child of God, you always have the ear of your Father. Don't let the enemy convince you that God doesn't want to hear from you.
The Bible is "the sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17), our main offensive weapon. When the world tries to push its philosophy, we can counter with Scripture.
The Word of God drops the biggest bombs against the enemy's lies and cannot be refuted.
"Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)
The key to victory is submission to God. Give yourself wholly to Him, acknowledging that you belong to Him alone. When you submit to God first, resisting the devil becomes effective.
"In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (Romans 8:37)
We can have confidence because we're on the winning team! When you've read the end of the book, you know who wins, and in Christ, we are victorious.
This victory isn't because of who we are but because of who He is. And one day, we'll receive crowns from the Lord Himself that we can cast at His feet in gratitude.
As we navigate these challenging times, here are some practical ways to apply these truths:
Truth might be shot, but truth will never be silenced because Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let's commit to standing firm on His truth, no matter what comes our way.