Standing Firm In Faith

​I am concerned.

​As I write this devotional today, my heart is heavy over many so-called Christians whose faith is caving in under Satan’s attacks, cultural pressure, political intimidation and outright persecution of the Christian faith.
 
It is hard for me to conceive and believe that anyone who says they trust in Jesus as their Lord and Savior would abandon their faith when undergoing pressure.
 
Sadly, there is nothing new under the sun.
 
The Apostle Peter lived in a day when Christianity and Christians were under fire. Real fires of personal and corporate persecution. The theme of I Peter (study it for yourself) is rejoicing while suffering for the cause of Christ. It is an inspiring, motivating, get your spiritual motor running, Holy Spirit inspired word to help you and me live victoriously smack dab in the middle of tough, troublesome, trying times of trials and tribulation.
 
At the end of his first letter, Peter sent a word through Silvanus to brothers and sisters in Christ who were going through persecution for their belief in the Lord Jesus. Peter called Silvanus a “faithful brother.” Sounds like a good messenger to me.
 
“Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. STAND FIRM IN IT!” I Peter 5:12
 
Peter, who describes Silvanus as a faithful brother in the Lord, exhorts Christians to “STAND FIRM IN IT!”  Stand firm in what? The fact that the “true grace of God” has been revealed in Jesus Christ.
 
Peter, the Spirit-filled, fiery leader of the New Testament Church was exhorting and testifying about the true grace of God. Exhort means to urge strongly, to make urgent appeal, to the point of warning.
 
Peter was speaking from his personal testimony concerning the grace of God. He had experienced and was continually experiencing God’s grace, choosing to stand firm in it regardless of consequences.
 
Where does the “true grace of God” come from?
 
Jesus is the ultimate manifestation of God’s love and grace toward us.
Those who receive Christ as their Lord and Savior believe this. They put their personal faith in Jesus. Peter, with heartfelt and Holy Spirit passion, encourages his brothers and sisters in Christ to stand firm in their faith because of the grace of God in their life.
 
Obviously, some followers of Jesus were not standing firm in grace and faith. How could New Testament Christians not stand firm in God’s gift of grace? I am scratching my spiritual head over their shallow commitment to the One who gave His all for them.
 
2024. Are you asking yourself any of the following questions? I am.
 
Why is it that many Christians faith is faltering and failing? Why are some of Christ’s followers intimidated into silence by the world, compromising their convictions, falling by the wayside into insignificance? Why does the body of Christ appear so spiritually anemic in a world of unbelievers fast descending toward the eternal fires of hell?
 
It certainly is not because of Jesus Christ. Through the Holy Spirit and God’s Word, the Lord provides staying power to stand firm in faith as His witnesses.
 
Standing firm or not standing firm is a choice. A daily decision. You and I who desire to be victorious in Christ choose to stand firm in our faith in the One who chose us, forgives our sins, and gives us eternal life. That is the only response the “true grace of God” deserves.
 
Simple Suggestions For Standing Firm In Christian faith.
 

• Know what you believe, why you believe it. Do not be ashamed to share what you believe. Unbelievers need to hear the Good News from compassionate, confident, courageous Christian believers.
• Do not be misled, swayed or shaken by public or popular opinion. Stand up bravely for Who (Jesus Christ) you know, what you know about Him, and why people need to know Him.
• Resist compromising your convictions. Faith in Christ is non-negotiable. Waffling, and wish-washy commitment is out for those fully consecrated and dedicated to follow Jesus, regardless of the cost.
• Predetermine and decide ahead of time, that even if other Christian’s fold regarding faith, you will not. You will never step back when you need to be stepping forward on behalf of the God who loves you and sent His Son to sacrifice His life for you.
• Stand firm for your faith in Christ, knowing that Jesus stands with you! He will never forsake you, abandon you or fail you. NEVER!
• Fellowship with a few solid Christians who have experienced “the true grace of God” and will stand up for their faith with you.

 
Standing firm or falling away from the faith are the only two options believers in Jesus Christ have. There is no middle. No lukewarm position. It is either all in or all out. Peter and the New Testament Christians were all in! They willingly and joyfully paid the price for the One who paid the ultimate price for them.
             
If ever there was a time in my life and yours to stand firm in faith by the grace of God, it is now. Right now… today…every single day. God will supply the grace and power to stand boldly for Him in these last days!
           
My brother or sister in Christ, are you standing firm, unshakably firm in your Christian faith? What does the “true grace of God” mean to you?
 
Someone in your relationship circles needs to see you pointing them to the crucified and risen Savior who through His love and grace saves all who put their faith in Him.
 
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16
 
A Word For Your Week: Stand up. Stand firm. Speak out for Jesus no matter what.