If I've learned anything in my Christian walk with the Lord, I have learned how to stand. This takes a lot of faith if the truth be known. This also takes a lot more action than one would think. Our first response is normally to start running, even if we don't know where it is we are going. We figure that running at least will take us from point A to point B. But many times this will result in wearing oursleves out, either emotionally, physically, spiritually or all of them, until we are emptied entirely. And we still don't get where we need to be. But standing can bring about the best results when we stand in faith and trust the Lord for all that He has promised.

What do you do when your life seems to be turned upside down? How do you react when you get the news that you are losing your home and are required to pay back rent to someone who has passed away and has done nothing to deserve it? How do you get beyond the feeling that there is no fair justice in the world when you do everything for the glory of God? Let me tell you. You stand! All these things are happening to my husband and I right now. Even though this whole event hasn't turned out quite like we thought it would or should, we just know that God is in control. He's been in control from the very beginning and He will continue to be in control across the finish line.

Yes, even though the death of the woman who sued my husband for her half of this house that he paid, still does not leave him as the soul owner as we assumed it would. According to the judge, this house will be sold at a public auction. Plus he is found to be responsible for paying her back rent to the equivalent of what he would've gotten for his half. Virtually, we are left with nothing, in worldy matters. And we are told that it's not our concern as to who she left as heir. To top it all off, he has not been employed since January. The company he worked for laid him off and shut down. Normally this wouldn't be a cause for alarm, but we live in a depressed area where jobs with insurance benefits are few and far between. Day after day we just kept reminding each other that everything was going to be just fine. And we waited patiently and kept standing. It takes great faith to not only say this, but to mean it as well. In order to do this, it takes action to believe and trust in a God Who sometimes seems so silent. But when you know Him and learn to trust Him, you actually learn to expect great things to happen. The tests and trials that He puts us through will only result in His blessings that are meant for good and not evil. This is the walk of the true Christian. And when God does finally answer you in the midnight hour, His blessed assurance of a safe arrival will far outweigh the negative report of man. We give God all the honor and glory for bringing us through what has been a real wilderness journey. It's still not over, but only the beginning!

I have been used of God to give words of comfort to people when they need godly counsel. In the midst of my own life threatening calamities, I allow the Holy Spirit to use me for the aid of others. Last week a friend called me in desperation of a comforting word and prayer. Not fully understanding her emotions, I ministered to her by listening and giving the Holy Spirit the floor. It wasn't my place to tell her what I thought or felt. But God led me to advise her in getting quiet in order to hear Him. She was at a loss as to how to even do that. I told her when I get confused, I just begin by thanking Him and giving Him praise, no matter how I feel at the time. Confusion is an attack from our adversary the devil. When we get closer to our destination with Christ, this demon spirit rears his ugly head. Confusion keeps us from hearing God. But if we start thanking the Lord and praising Him, our enemy has to leave. Thus we can resume a quiet spirit in which to hear Him. I advised her to get re-acquainted with the full armor of God so she could stand and fight. Without it, we will not win. You can read this in Ephesians 6. Each piece must be put on and kept on in order to succeed.

I followed up with a letter of encouragement to her. These verses from Philippians came as confirmation to me the next day in a daily devotional. This instruction is true for everyone who just needs to stand. Paul in his letter to the church in Philippi encouraged them in their walk of glory in Christ Jesus.

"Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved." Philippians 4:1

To stand is actually an action verb. It is a military command that is a dominant expression. It is meant to be taken seriously. I told my distraught friend that when I get caught up in the circumstances of life, I immediately focus my thoughts on virtuous things. The enemy loves it when we trip ourselves up in his lies. I suggested she read Philippians 4:8 in order to do just that. This has been my practice and it works every time.

"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." Philippians 4:8

Now if you notice, Paul is saying that anything which is praiseworthy is what we need to focus on. For in the 4th verse he tells us to rejoice, not just once but twice! And to always do it.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice!" Philippians 4:4

An attitude of gratitude is always the place in which to approach the God Most High. This will result in the peace we need in order to pray according to His will for our lives.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God." Philippians 4:6

This just can not happen if we are confused. Doubts and worry only show our mistrust of God. He delights in answering our prayers when we delight in His Word. But for anyone who doesn't know what His Word says will end up running in circles trying to accomplish something on their own with little or no success. Heaven forbid! He tells us to "Be still and know that I AM in control." Let Him take the wheel, don't be anxious for an answer right now. We all hate to wait, but when we wait expecting an answer, our problems are then God's property. They are safe with Him. This kind of standing is what results in an inner peace.

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

No one can understand on their own how this happens. It's of God. As I read the final verdict over this house, I was shaking uncontrollably. I just didn't understand it. I felt so vulnerable. I went prostrate on the floor and told God I didn't know what else I should do. It was then He reminded me that on my own I can do nothing. He will do all things abundantly and exceedingly better than I could ever dream of. His peace filled me and I knew it would be fine. I was then able to make my requests known. I told Him I trusted Him and needed a door to open for us to follow.

Lo and behold, my husband got a job offer doing the same work he did before. God hand delivered that prayer request!

Standing in faith requires more strength than running in fear.

All scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible.