Standing Firm in the Midst of Movement
Written by Brenda Franklin-Strout
I want to encourage your hearts to stand firm in all the learnings and moments of uncertainty of the last 24+months. We have watch administrations change, church leadership transitions and in our own families the impacts are potentially endless…both great and small. Pandemics, global wars, remote learnings, surges, sickness, and a whole heap of shenanigans. And in the midst, do you know what hasn’t changed? God. Jesus. Holy Spirit. His Word. His Presence. His Everything. Amen. No Sir or Ma’am…Youth or Empty-Nester, Infant to Golden Years…HE HASN’T CHANGED.
Church, in all the questions we have, He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Selah
He hasn’t moved, is not surprised or caught off guard by our circumstances, nor will he ever suggest something is too big for Him to handle. He will carry when you cast and pour out His peace when the ground seems shaky and the path uncertain. He sees all, knows all and assures all that He is ever about our business while never putting us in the position that we must walk alone. HE is firm. HE never wavers. HE is the solid rock of every one of our foundations. The ground may quake and the rain may seem endless but HE will hold us firm, protect our hearts and minds and direct our paths when the road is long and the storms seemingly unstoppable.
Tired Momma, Exhausted Father, Stressed Out Student, Challenged Family, Rejected, Defeated, Unwelcomed, Uninvited, Unknown Fear Gripper…all names and ways we assign identities to ourselves and others in this world. Be clear…there is only one that we can build on and with and that is our identity as a Child of God…His Creation. He formed you, He fashioned you. He guides you and delivers. He provides, protects and positions us to flourish in the center of our circumstances. He brings alongside warriors, water-walkers, and wisdom carriers to battle for us, call us out of our spaces and glean the words and experiences they carry so we do not misstep. Eyes open, Creation of God…HE HAS GOT YOU. He is Emmanuel, God with Us. He is Jehovah-Jireh, The Lord Our Provider. Jehovah-Rapha, The Lord is our Healer. He is the Beginning and End, the Ancient of Days, Everlasting God, the Good Shepherd…
Child of God…He is Jehovah-Shalom, The Lord is our Peace.
So peace, be still. Know that He is God and we are not. We cannot let Him down because We never held Him up. Stand Firm on His Word and His irrevocable promises. He never promised a life without trials, He promised in this life that we wouldn’t go it alone.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Verses to Encourage:
1 Corinthians 15:58 "Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord."
Philippians 1:27"Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel."
Ephesians 6:13"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."
1 Peter 5:9"But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world."
You are so loved, Family of God. Stand firm in the midst of movement…God is stable, secure, and standing by for your surrender. Let go of the reins, stop trying to steer the rudder, give up your playbook for His Word. He’s got you.
