Dear SCC & Friends,
…stand firm… ~1 Corinthians 16:13
Reflection #184
Standing firm takes courage and resolve. It means holding a resolute position that will not be dissuaded by friend or foe. In the midst, we need God’s help to discern that our resolution and determination is based on right perception and wisdom. There is an urban legend about a battleship at sea in bad weather. The captain was on the bridge. It was foggy. Just after dark the lookout spotted a light on the starboard side. The captain asked if it was steady or moving. The lookout replied the light was steady meaning they were on a direct collision course with that ship! The captain ordered the lookout to signal the other ship. “Change course 20 degrees. We are on collision course.” The signal came back “Advisable for you to change course.” The captain signaled “I am a captain. Change course 20 degrees.” “I am a seaman second class. You had better change course 20 degrees” came the reply. The captain was furious. He sent back “I am a battleship. Change course!” Back came the signal, “I am a lighthouse.” Sometimes we are humbled, and we get the message just in time.
On Christ the solid rock we stand, all other ground is sinking sand. During the course of our lives, it’s so easy to lose our footing… I’ve slipped more times than I can remember… on ice, snow and wet sidewalks. I’ve slipped on dirt, grass and gravel… including but not limited to freshly waxed floors, throw rugs and slick tiles. I’m not accident prone but readily admit to slippages both in the natural and spiritual realms. All of us can confess of times where we’ve lost our footing… drifting with uncertainty, fading resolve and discouragement. King David knew it well… I have sunk in deep mire, and there is no foothold… ~Ps. 69:2a He also said, He makes my feet like hinds’ feet, and sets me on my high places…. You enlarge my steps under me, and my feet have not slipped. ~2 Sam. 22:34,37 God has given us the ability to stand firm in the valley, on the mountaintop and anywhere in between. We were made for these days… …be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. ~1 Cor. 15:58 Keep up the good work!
Standing firm,
Kevin