Stand

That's my New Year's resolution. Just the one: to stand.

New Year's resolutions can be cumbersome and a downer for many people, especially when they think about the resolutions of the previous years that came to nothing. I'm honestly not the biggest fan of them either, but I have one this year.

It comes from Ephesians 6:10-13,

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."

Make no mistake, the devil is steadily attacking, and when he gives you a respite, be sure he's planning another attack. After years of being in this cycle, I can testify to the fact that it gets pretty tiring. I'm happy and grateful whenever I successfully resist one of his schemes or temptations, but I fail just as often, and those moments leave me discouraged and demoralized. Sometimes I wonder, "Why do I have to constantly struggle like this," but I've found encouragement in a couple of places: 

1 Peter 5:9-10 says,

"Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."

It's always a relief to know you're not the only one struggling. If you don't know anyone personally who is, know that I am. Be encouraged by the fact that your brothers and sisters in Christ today and those who have gone before you have gone through these things too. Let their ability to hold on give you the encouragement to keep fighting.

My chosen verses for the year come from Hebrews 12:1-2, 

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

A lot can be unpacked here, but we'll save some of that for another time.

When I imagine the verse, I think of myself in a marathon (although I'd never attempt such in real life) running, getting tired, but seeing my friends still pushing beside me, and others on the sidelines and who have crossed the finish line cheering me on. We can lean on each other and on wisdom from old to persevere and find strength.

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

- 2 Timothy 3:16-17

"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."

- Romans 15:4

In addition to my daily devotion and bible study, a practice I implemented last year (it was more like a 2nd quarter resolution) was reading at least one Christian book each month, some of which were biographies, others subject-specific, and even some fictional stories.

Not only can we lean on each other, resources, and the Word, but we can also lean on Jesus Himself! Whatever it is, He's been there and done that! He was tempted by the devil too (Matthew 4:1-11). Hebrews 4:15-16 tells us that He is our High Priest who understands all our weaknesses and He can relate! He is always accessible when we need help and support! His grace is sufficient for us; His power is made perfect in our weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:8-10)

Another source of encouragement is thinking about the end. Nothing motivates me to walk home on a hot and humid day more than the promise of enjoying ice-cold orange juice (yes, OJ) in my air-conditioned apartment at the end. What is the end we can look forward to? 

• Satan will be destroyed forever. (Revelation 20:10, Isaiah 27:1)

• We will receive a crown of life. (1 Corinthians 9:25, James 1:12, 2 Timothy 4:8)

I will conclude with this verse I memorized from 1 Corinthians 10:13,

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

It may not always feel like it, but nothing we go through is new (Ecclesiastes 1:9), so there is always somewhere we can find help and encouragement. We can endure. God is faithful; He's on our side. He won't let us go through anything we can't handle. He will work everything out for our good (Romans 8:28). He gives us grace and provides all we need to stand (2 Peter 1:3, Titus 2:11-12).

No matter what your resolutions are or aren't for 2025, I hope you are encouraged to stand this year.

Grace and peace be with you! Happy New Year!