Yesterday afternoon I had the sweet and unexpected privilege of spending some time with a lovely young woman. As we walked together our conversation turned to participation in small, discipleship, growth groups. I loved hearing of her commitment to facilitating a weekly gathering of gals who are all a little younger than herself. We desperately need these opportunities of intentionally learning from God's Word and sharing faith together. Struggles are inevitable and the testimonies of those who are still standing firm after a time of trouble and suffering breathe fresh hope to those amidst current difficulties. There is so much power in a right-now story of how the Lord is providing. It really does give "new life", energizing the listener to keep trusting and standing firm.
Yesterday, my friend Lina Abujamra's new book, "Still Standing: Following Jesus Even When It Hurts", was released. I love those two words, "still standing". The word "still" implies an element of time. Something that was, still is. Nothing has changed. Although circumstances or opposition may have attempted to turn one from a current course, there has been victory, not loss. The dear one remains despite the difficulty they have walked. Such a witness is noteworthy. And, they are not just upright. They are not teetering with the possibility of toppling over; they are strong and firm. Although the troubles threatened, these pilgrims on the journey seemed to grow more vigorous in their resolve and belief.
We can't predict pain. We have no idea when an unexpected, sudden struggle could fight to strip us of our confidence in the Lord. To still be standing firm on the other side of hardship, there are decisions that need to be made now that will determine the outcome of our hearts. We may not be able to know the conclusion of the event, diagnosis, situation or relationship, but we can have the assurance of unfaltering faith when we strengthen ourselves in the Lord. In fact, according to Ps 66:12, we can endure "fire and flood" with God bringing us "to a place of great abundance."
It's interesting that tonight I begin facilitating the Bible study, "Through the Desert: A study on God's Faithfulness". This echoes the same message. In the middle of our wilderness experiences, God is faithful, not only to provide us with Himself, but with examples of others who have walked roads of great suffering and held tight to Him, not just surviving but thriving. Nothing encourages and causes my heart to rejoice more than hearing the goodness of God in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13).
Despite detours and hard seasons, how will others view God through our lives? Paul testified to the witness of the believers in the church of Thessalonica. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 echoes the encouragement found as faith is shared not only by the telling of the Good News but by our lives as well. Our attitude, decisions, reactions, responses through trials are being observed. As we pass on the truths we have learned, we come to the understanding of a vital detail. It is never our determination that keeps us standing in the end, it is the divine hand of God that has held us and kept us in His grip of grace.
It's one thing to be standing firm at the end of the day, or at the end of a difficult journey, or at the end of a loss, but even greater is the joy of being able to say with Timothy, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful (2 Timothy 4:7).
Lord, I pray that through all You allow to touch our lives, You will find us still standing firm in faith, declaring Your goodness so that others are encouraged to keep on keeping on.
"Still Standing: Following Jesus Even When It Hurts"; Lina Abujamra; Moody Publishers; copyright 2024
"Through The Desert: A Study on God's Faithfulness; Lina Abujamra; Esther Press; copyright 2023
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