Stand Firm On God’s Word
If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.! [Proverbs 24:10]
QUOTE: Get yourself grounded and you can navigate even the stormiest roads in peace – Steve Goodier
As I am writing this book, the coronavirus pandemonium is happening. A pandemonium is defined as “wild uproar or unrestrained disorder, tumult or chaos, a place or scene of riotous uproar or utter chaos.” It’s called a pandemonium for several reasons: people are fighting over rolls of toilet paper and being downright vicious to one another; there was an uproar on a plane where they needed to make an emergency landing in Denver to get the situation under control because someone coughed; and then there are those that are waiting in line for hours at Costco for bulk purchases.
Please understand; I’m not saying this isn’t serious. Certainly, it should not be taken lightly. Nearly 60,000 people have died worldwide; and, at this point, it is impossible to know what the outcome will be. Just today (May 2020), Vail closed all of their resorts; and, living in a ski resort community, I know this can have a devastating ripple effect on our local businesses and residents.
But, girlfriends, STAND FIRM because this is ONLY the beginning of chaos, fear and pandemonium. I’ve added this chapter because if you are an avid reader of the Book of Revelation and of future events as I am, this is NOTHING compared to what is yet to come. What is about to come is not only in Revelation it’s sprinkled throughout the entire Bible. In fact, read that entire chapter of Matthew 24 and all the different parables within the book of Matthew. Below in the weekly Scriptures are also a few examples of what is to come. This chapter is a reminder that we need to keep our minds on WHO we are in Christ not on WHAT is happening.
This is not a proclamation that we are in the end times, because no one knows the day or time of Christ’s return. However, these are definitely warning signs that we could be. During these times, there is absolutely nothing wrong with being prepared, stocking up on food, having things in order, and doing what is necessary to protect and feed yourself and family. In fact, that is what the Lord desires us to do, as shown in the parable of the virgins [Matthew 25:1-13].
But also, be mindful that being prepared is more than just getting our physical stuff in order. It’s preparing your mind, heart, and soul and having your personal relationship with the Lord in order. That is the most important preparation YOU can make. You can have all the toilet paper stocked, barrels of water, ammunition and weapons, and years’ worth of food; but if you don’t have things right with the Lord, not one iota of all that stuff you have prepared is going to save or protect you.
Remember, chaos and fear start within the MIND: what you think about, what you dwell on, and what you focus on, your actions will follow from those thoughts. Yes, we should be on alert against viruses of all kinds and take the necessary precautions. However, worrying about COVID-19 [or the next threat that is to come] won’t change our circumstances or lower our chance of infection; in fact, it will only increase our troubles. It won’t help us fight off illness or allow us to be available to help others.
Maintain your Stellar Thinking, continue to think like God thinks. It takes more energy to worry than it does to have faith and speak the Word of God over your life, health, and finances. One way of thinking can lead to peace, the other to panic. We can choose how we react, choose wisely.
HERE ARE A FEW GUIDELINES TO REMEMBER WHEN ALL BISCUITS ARE HITTING THE WORLDWIDE FANS:
- BE GROUNDED: We need to be grounded in what God says about us and His promises. Make sure our minds are focused on what His Word says, NOT on the media.
- BE DIFFERENT: If we are not grounded or prepared with the RIGHT thinking and our relationship with the Lord, then every time there is an incident in the world (or our lives) we are going to freak out and act like everyone else. Stay calm, stand firm.
- BE IN PRAYER: It’s time for us to recommit to consistent and ongoing prayer and keep our thoughts and faith in Him.
- BE UNMOVED: It’s also time to stand firm when the rest of the world is in panic mode. Please don’t go into the store with fear on your face and buy forty packages of toilet paper.
- BE COURAGEOUS: This is the time to bear up against adversity. Do not focus on what the media is saying, take care of yourself and do what is safe, but don’t let this stuff freak you out. Stand on the Word!
- BE CALM: It’s time to hold out under stress, when everyone else is fearful, in an uproar, and going into panic mode; we need to stay calm, maintain our faith, and stand firm.
- BE PEACEFUL Allow the peace of God to permeate every cell in your body, from the top of your head to end of all your little toes.
STAND FIRM: It’s time to persevere under pressure, wait calmly, be full of courage and boldness, and STAND FIRM on the promises of God that are in His Word.
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DAILY ACTION STEP
Say to yourself out loud
I AM WHO GOD SAYS I AM
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FRIENDLY REMINDER: Take out your journal and write down your thoughts, takeaways, and progress for this week!
TAKEAWAY GEMS
- Stay in peace, focus on the truth, and Stand Firm on the Word of God.
- Remember Who God Says You Are
- Be Grounded
- Be Different
- Be in Prayer
- Be Unmoved
- Be Courageous
- Be Calm
- Be Peaceful
- Be FIRM by standing on the Word
ACTION STEP PREPARATION: Make a list of things you can do now to prepare for the next “crisis or pandemonium” and start doing one thing at a time. Most importantly, make sure that your relationship with the Lord is in order.
QUESTIONS TO “THINK ON”
- During a crisis, what is the first thing you tend to do?
- What could you learn to do or think differently that will help you stand firm?
- How is your mindset during a crisis? Are you fearful, in a panic, or do you have peace and calm? Write this in your journal and ask for Holy Spirit guidance on this.
DAILY SCRIPTURES
DAY #1: So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. [1 Corinthians 15:58]
DAY #2: For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline [2 Timothy 1:7] along with a sound mind
DAY #3: This is my command be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. [Joshua 1:9]
DAY #4: And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. [Luke 21:25]
DAY #5: If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small [Proverbs 24:10]
DAY #6: A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. [Proverbs 22:3]
DAY #7: This is the Parable of the Virgins. Please look this up, we are to be prepared. [Matthew 25:1-13]