Keep Standing

When the nation seems to be unraveling at an alarming rate—

When the attacks against your well-being and your family’s peace keeps coming in mounting waves—

When the daily grind has ground you to a powder that threatens to blow away at the first breeze—

Sometimes all you can do is stand.

Sometimes, all the Lord asks you to do is stand.

When Francis Scott Key watched the battle for Fort McHenry in 1814, he penned the words that would become our national anthem: “And the rockets’ red glare / the bombs bursting in air / gave proof through the night / that our flag was still there.” Sometimes it’s difficult to know if your side is winning or losing in the fog of battle. But if the flag bearer is still holding strong, troops can rally and renew hope.

So too, for our lives, when things seem to be falling apart, we are called to stay steadfast. Evil days can seem relentless, hitting us with many things—from kids who won’t stop fighting to horrific wars causing the world to watch with bated breath. These evil spiritual forces come directly from Satan and cannot be defeated with non-spiritual weapons. The enemy strikes at our armor—the armor of God that we are given to fight against his schemes. Read the full passage of Ephesians 6:10-18 to learn more about this armor.

God tells us exactly what to do to face combat with the enemy. Through the armor, we gain strength and have what we need to fight and win. It enables us to defend ourselves.

So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm.

Ephesians 6:13 (CEV)

When we despair, crumple and want to hide away, and fear the war more than the Lord, God calls us to look up to him. He reminds us that we have all we need and that his strength for the battle and grace for us is more than enough. He asks us to take our position and stand. When we do this, we will find ourselves standing when the battle is over.

So, take heart, not in your own strength and ability, but in your God’s. Stand firm and watch the Lord do his work.

PRAY

Lord, many things seem hard these days. At times, it looks like the battle is lost. But I will look to you. Help me to show my children the hope we have because of you. Amen.

TIME TO TALK

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): For younger kids: How do you know God is strong? For older kids: How can we more intently rely on God’s strength?

Apply: Design a family flag together using symbols that represent things important to your family and faith.

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

2 Chronicles 20:17

Psalm 40:1b-2

________________________________

Tonia Gutting wrote this devotional for the Hero Squad Program of the American Bible Society. Hero Squad provides complimentary faith-based resources to strengthen and encourage Military families through God’s Word. For more information or to enroll your Military family, check out our website.www.myherosquad.org.