It’s Time to Take a Stand
Finally be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand.
Eph. 6:10-13 NIV
STAND. Such a simple word. An easy action. Not much thought required to accomplish.
However, when sickness, disease, pain or suffering come against us our first response usually is not to simply stand against it. We are created with a ” fight or flight” response so that when we are confronted by an adversary we will either prepare to fight or we will quickly go into flight mode…run! However, the Word of God says we are to “stand,” recognizing that the battle is not just a physical one but a spiritual battle. Notice, the Lord says that we fight against schemes of the devil, rulers, authorities, and powers of spiritual darkness. He knows that for this battle, we must be covered, protected, and empowered by His armor in order to stand in His strength.
Most people never understand that a fight against sickness is a spiritual battle. They only look at the physical realm because they are so vividly aware of physical symptoms, physical reports, physical diagnosis, and physical manifestations. However, Jesus explains in John 10:10 who our enemy is. Our enemy is Satan, the spiritual entity that comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Satan desires to make you sick, even to the point of death. Therefore, it is critically important that we deal with sickness from a spiritual perspective. How? Stand! Stand and having done all, stand firm! The Amplified Bible says, “to stand firm in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious!”
How and where do we stand? We stand by faith on the Word of God: standing, believing, trusting that God is fighting for us and will give us the victory over all the weapons of the enemy! Exodus 14:-3 says, “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and watch God do His work of salvation for you today.”
No matter how frightening the name of the disease may be or how overwhelming the medical reports, or how much the physical body is struggling, God says you are to STAND firm and watch Him move on your behalf to bring you victory!
Yes, the battle is real. Yes, this may for the moment be life altering or just annoying for you. But, God promised “He will never leave nor forsake you,” that “no weapon formed against you will prosper” or be successful, because the battle is His. The victory is ours if we only but stand and trust God.
The key is to stand firm, no wavering. The Word says if we “waver,” we will not receive anything from God. You cannot stand proclaiming life and victory one day and be crying in fearful despair the next, wondering if God will deliver you. Stand when the battle starts, when the battle is at its worst, as well as at when you see the victory on the horizon. Just as it says in the Message translation, “when it’s all over but the shouting, you will still be standing on your feet! Standing in the victory the Lord has secured for you over then enemy called sickness!”