“Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious.]” Ephesians 6:13 AMP

As the crisis of Hurricane Irma bears down on us, the manic news reports flash everywhere and the panicked purchasers wipe the shelves clean of storm necessities.  Before long, even the calmest person can feel the rise of stress and worry choking out the confidence that God truly is in control.

As I struggled with this rising fear of calamity, I felt the Lord whisper in my ear, “Having done all else, stand firm.”  Just minutes ago, my family and I walked around our property, declaring trees will stay put, commanding angels to stand guard over board-less windows, speaking a shield over our vehicles, and praying a hedge of safety around our chickens.   Now, I sit here, truly having done all I can think of and can manage to do with what limited supplies are available.

Breathing deeply, I choose to embrace peace that passes all understanding.  My confidence is not in my preparations or the piles of supplies.  My confidence is in my Faithful Father.  He has promised me that no matter what comes my way, He will cause all my life’s circumstances~the good, the bad, and the ugly~ to flow together for my good because I love Him and He loves me!

Standing firm is not a passive stance that bears the lackadaisical attitude of an amusement park attendee.  Rather, it is a purposeful stand.  When we stand firm, we stand in expectancy.  We stand ready.

There is purpose and power in our stand.  We stand on truth, we stand in hope, and we stand believing that God’s Kingdom will come and His will be done in our current situation.  This faith stand declares emphatically that we trust our Dad… No.Matter.What!

In our lives, storms will come!   Isaiah 43 reminds us:

“But now, this is what the Lord says—
He who created you, Jacob,
He who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.
² When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze”

Note this: When you pass through the waters… when you walk through the fire… it’s not a question of if, but when.

Your storm may seem overwhelming right now… turn to Him.  Grab ahold of His beard and look deep into His eyes!  He loves you.  When you climb into His arms, you will find that deep inner peace your heart desires!  In fact, you will find yourself planted right smack in the center of where God wanted you to be!  His plans are never to harm us; rather, His plans our purposefully and intricately woven to give us an incredible future!

Let the storm rage around you!  But stand firm in the knowledge that God, your God, is in control.  Wait in expectancy and hope for Him to give you strength and direction.  Stand declaring His goodness and faithfulness.  Watch Him come through for you with His mighty right hand!  He loves you SO MUCH that He will work on your behalf when you submit your life to Him.

Dig deeper:  Jeremiah 29:11-13, Ephesians 6:10-20

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Live Loved,