“Stand firm in Christ!” The first place in Israel’s history the command to “stand firm” is given is the Lord’s answer through Moses to Israel concerning the approaching Egyptian army led by Pharaoh, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.” (Exodus 14:13) The next time the command is heard was when Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites came to make war on Jehoshaphat and Israel. While standing before the LORD at his temple in prayer, the LORD replied, “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.'” (2 Chronicles 20:17)
King David, learning from the past and looking to the future we now live in, prophesied, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. O LORD, save the king! Answer us when we call!” (Psalm 20:7-9) The Holy Spirit, through the apostle, reminds us, “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ.” (21a)
Troubles and suffering will come and have come. God is with us, strengthening our knees. “How do I know this?” you may ask. God anointed us with a seal of ownership. The Holy Spirit in our hearts is a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. The Holy Spirit, whom we experience life from and with, tells us that God is with us, and God strengthens our knees so we will stand firm in the Lord Jesus, as he wins the battle that is already won.
