Stand Firm | Day 19 Freedom Season Devotional

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. (NASB)

There are four things in this verse that Paul is encouraging the Corinthian church to walk in -

• Discernment -  Being on the alert requires a level of discernment. It requires a spiritual awareness of what is going on around us. 

• Steadfastness - Standing firm in the faith means remaining unshaken in the truth, regardless of what the world is doing to pull us away into deception.

• Maturity - Acting like men is putting away childish things and behaviors and walking in a spiritual maturity worthy of the calling we carry.

• Strength - It is His strength that we walk in, not our own. In our weakness, He is made strong. A mature strength is not a prideful one. It acknowledges a dependence on Him to be our strength when we are weak.

Standing firm is what a well-armored soldier does when he/she knows that the enemy in front of them is inferior. It’s what David did as he stood before Goliath. Despite Goliath’s size, stature and intimidating behavior, David knew Who had sent him - and it wasn’t Saul. He knew that Goliath’s battle armor and giant sword were no match for his slingshot and stone pouch. He knew this because the God of Israel was with him. 

Standing firm in the faith is evidence of a mature relationship with the Holy One. It comes from an intimacy that runs much deeper than a casual or passing knowledge of God. It comes from time spent in the secret place. 

Reflection: What is an area where you want to be more grounded in your faith? 

Prayer: Jesus, teach me to stand firm in You and You alone. Show me where I need to be matured in my faith, and teach me what that maturity looks like. I want to be unwavering in truth and faith. I trust You to guide me into a deeper maturity in You. Thank You. Amen.