Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – September 9, 2015
In the Lord I take refuge. How then can you say to me: ‘Flee like a bird to your mountain’. Psalm 11:1
There is a time to stand steadfast and there is a time to flee. Make sure your motive for either is based on trust. Do not allow others to persuade you to run and hide when you need to stand and fight. Having faith in God may mean engaging in some uncomfortable activities. Don’t run off just because you are afraid of being roughed up. Anybody can leave but faith in God implores you to stay. Stand steadfast with your Savior. Trust Jesus when tempted to flee.
One of Satan’s schemes is distrust. If he can get us to lose faith in our Heavenly Father then he can influence our decision making with foolish thoughts. Satan is patient. He knows a little incremental doubt can lead to a large amount of distrust. Bad advice can be deceptive on the surface. This moment of decision is an opportunity for your faith to intersect with God’s faithfulness. If you run you will miss refuge in Christ. Therefore stand steadfast.
Like the religious leaders who made fun of Jesus, some may say, “He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now” (Matthew 27:43).
Stability comes from standing steadfast with our Savior. However distrust is like a silly bird. It flutters here and there with no aim other than reacting to every distraction. There is nothing significant about a sparrow running scared. It is but a dot of distrust on a mountain with the masses. Anybody can run and hide in the face of difficult people or challenging circumstances. Does our life reflect total trust or is our faith one of convenience? Strong faith stands steadfast.
Moreover use this time of turmoil to trust the Lord even more. His calling has not changed. Stand steadfast. Stand steadfast in Him and you will stand steadfast in your marriage. Stand steadfast in Him and you will stand steadfast in your vocation. Stead steadfast in Him and you will stand steadfast in your purity. Stand steadfast in Him and you will stand steadfast in your friendship. Stand steadfast in Him and you will stand steadfast in your church. It is easy to leave when everyone else is fleeing. Nevertheless we are convicted to stand steadfast and trust Him.
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, by faith I take refuge in You. You are the source of my strength.
Application: Why does truth give me spiritual stamina? What truth do I need to believe and apply?
Related Readings: Psalm 51:10, 112:7; Proverbs 4:26; Philippians 4:1; 1 Peter 5:10
Post/Tweet this today: Having faith in God may mean engaging in some uncomfortable activities. #standsteadfast #WisdomHunters
Additional Resource: 5 minute music video- Colton Dixon: Jesus Paid it All
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