Find Strength Through Adversity – Part 1: Standing Firm
Even when we are sitting down on the outside, we must see ourselves standing on the inside!
We all face challenges in life. We all have things that come against us. We may get knocked down on the outside, but the key to living in victory is to learn how to get up on the inside.
I heard a story about a little boy, who was in church with his mother, and he had so much energy, he just could not sit still. In fact, he kept standing up on the seat. His mother said, “Son, sit down.”
He’d sit down for a few seconds, then he’d get right back up again.
She’d gently reprimand him again, “Son, I said to sit down!”
This happened several times, and then the little boy stood up and simply would not sit down. His mother took her hand, put it on his head, and pushed him down onto the seat. The boy sat there smiling. Finally, he looked at his mother and said, “Mom, I may be sitting down on the outside, but I’m standing up on the inside!”
No matter what you are going through or how difficult it may seem, you can remain standing on the inside. It may take courage; it will definitely take determination, but you can do it if you decide to do so. You must act on your will, not simply your emotions.
You may be sitting around waiting for God to change your circumstances. Then you’re going to be happy, then you’re going to have a good attitude, then you’re going to give God praise. But God is waiting on you to get up on the inside. When you do your part, He’ll begin to change things, then He’ll work supernaturally in your life.
“Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me.” Carol Burnett
A Prayer for Today: God, I’m determined not to let adversity defeat me. I’m getting up on the inside. No one and nothing will continue to steal my joy. Because of You and Your grace in my life, I know I’m the victor and not the victim. I’m confident that when one door closes, You’re going to open a bigger and a better door. I pray for the courage to stand firm in the face of adversity, knowing You are standing with me. Thank You, Lord, for Your presence in my life.
Takeaway Truth: Even if people or circumstances attempt to keep me down, I will face the adversity in my life by standing courageously like the victorious overcomer God made me to be.
The Pham
September 2011
