Philippians 4:1 “Therefore, my brothers and sisters whom I love and miss, who are my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord.”

A firm stance in the Lord changes everything. It may not change the appearance of the prevailing circumstance surrounding you but it certainly changes your perspective and view of things.What looks like a really bad situation may not be as bad as it seems when you STAND FIRM.

What does it profit you to worry and be anxious about things you have no control over? Wouldn’t it be better to submit what is not in our control to the one who is in control? Paul urges the believers at Philippi to remain steadfast and be at peace come what may.

What is to STAND FIRM in the Lord?

• To have confidence in God; God is all knowing and all powerful. Nothing can ever take Him by surprise even the toughest of situations which we least expect to happen He already knows and has provided a way out for us.

• To have the mind of God; Philippians 2:5 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus…” We have the mind of Christ in us. Scripture tells us of many accounts where Jesus was surrounded by trying situations that called for panic and fear. Remember that time he was on the boat with his disciples and a raging storm arose? Jesus was sound asleep! Or that time when he received the news of Lazarus’s death, Martha cried out in faith believing that though Jesus was not present at the time of her brother’s death he could still raise him to life. Because of her faith Jesus boldly proclaimed “Your brother will rise again”. He was deeply moved by the grief as many mourned Lazarus but instead of letting grief overwhelm him he channeled his grief to the power within believing that through him all things are possible. He raised Lazarus to life! You can raise that dead situation in your life if only you BELIEVE.

• To practice thanksgiving in and out of season; Philippians 4:4 “rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice!” Scripture does not say “Rejoice in the Lord when you feel like” nor does it say “Rejoice in the Lord sometimes”. It emphatically says “REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS……..AND AGAIN I SAY REJOICE.” The lord is near, will he find faith in you or despair? Will he find rest and assurance or will he find panic and confusion? Whatever you do, let your answers to these questions be positive for therein lies your breakthrough.

As you begin this new week, it is our prayer that you remain steadfast and stand firm in the Lord. How do you do that? You begin by changing your thought pattern and confession. Think like a man/woman of faith, talk like a man/woman of faith! Philippians 4:8-9 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”