STAND FIRM
Matthew 7:24-27, Isaiah 52:7, (Romans 10:15), Ephesians 6:10-18
“How beautiful on the mountain are the feet of those who bring good news.” Isaiah 52:7, and Romans 10:15
Jeremy stopped to shake Pastor Ron’s hand on the way out of the church. “No one told me about your accident, Jeremy” Pastor said, a look of concern on his face. How is your attitude, son?”
Jeremy leaned on his crutches, to talk. “Coach said after physical therapy and weight training, I’ll have a starting position on the team next year. I’m happier than I ever imagined I could be after breaking my ankle.”
“That’s good news, indeed!” Pastor Ron Grill said, smiling broadly. “Mind if I lay some words of advice on you?”
Jeremy peered nervously at the people lining up behind him and looking at his Mom, he said to Pastor, “I’d appreciate anything you’d like to say, Pastor. How about coming for dinner this evening?”
Jeremy’s Mom piped in, “Yes, please come for dinner—that would be perfect! Bring your lovely fiancée, Eileen. About 6?”
Pastor Ron and Eileen arrived a bit early. Dad opened the door saying, “Welcome! Please come right in. The boys are in the living room watching the game. Eileen, you’re welcome to come into the living room or see Pat, who’s in the den.”
“I won’t take much of your time, gentlemen” Pastor began. “We can watch the game, but these could be dangerous days for Jeremy.”
“It’s halftime—perfect timing, Pastor!” Jeremy’s dad said and turned the volume down.
The women arrived with refreshments and sat down. “Dinner will be ready soon. Just a little something to whet your whistles” Pat said.
Pastor Ron waited until everyone was settled before beginning. Looking directly at Jeremy he spoke to the family, “You may think you’ve got this trial all figured out, Jeremy, but I assure you that the devil is hard at work. Your attitude is outstanding, and I applaud your persevering through hardship. Now is the time to stand firm, Jeremy. These crutches can be whipped away and leave you crashing to the ground if you let your guard down.”
He handed Jeremy a booklet. “This is Ephesians chapter 6. We’re battling the principalities of darkness while in the world, and the devil plots against our victory. Four times in verses 11-14 Paul declares the purpose for the armor.
Piece by piece, the armor allows us to stand firmly against the devil’s schemes. We can stand our ground while wearing sandals of peace. That’s a metaphor for standing firmly in God’s Word.”
“Yeah, I get that, Pastor!” Jeremy said. “Walking is a challenge for me these days!”
“I am sorry for your ordeal” Pastor said. “That’s why it’s important to stand firm, Jeremy. If your foundation is weak, these times can topple your resolve, like how the tide comes in and washes away castles built in the sand.”
The buzzer sounded and Pat announced, “Come to the table everyone, dinner’s ready!”
Take Home Nugget
What Pastor Ron didn’t have a chance to say was, “Weak foundations produce weak faith. Only a faith built on the solid rock of Jesus Christ can withstand the winds of adversity.”
“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:11.
J.D. Griffith
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