Stand Your Ground

We know we'll suffer persecution as Christians.  It's been guaranteed to us in the word!  Suffering, affliction, and persecution should not surprise us as if some strange thing has happened to us. We can, however, stand against all the strategies and wiles of Satan.  With every temptation and trial there is a way of escape.  In Ephesians 6 Paul encourages believers to armor up.  To put on the whole armor of God to stand against Satan's wiles.  "Therefore put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then..." Eph 6:13  We don't have to accept defeat at the hands of our enemy.  Paul also once said:  "God always causes me to triumph in Christ Jesus."  Even during the worst trials we can come out as overwhelming conquerors if we stand in our position in Christ.  The battle we fight is not based on human effort, but by faith in the work of Christ.  We stand in our position in Christ and on the promises of God.  God is faithful, He will never allow a temptation or test in our lives that we cannot overcome.  Peter said that trials have come to test the genuineness of our faith.  A faith that is more precious than gold.  The only way we can lose is if we quit.  I want to encourage you to pick up your spiritual weapons and fight the good fight of faith.  You were made for the battle!