LEARNING TO STAND

Years ago I went through a lengthy season when the Lord was teaching me to "stand".

FUNNY CONFIRMATION: My son called me into his room to look at his Spanish computer program Wayne bought him. When I came in, there was a scene where this very sleepy man in bed was being wakened by his wife. She kept saying, "Levantate!" "Levantate!"

Previously I had heard the Lord's still small voice say Levantate to me. As we were looking at the computer screen the Holy Spirit reminded me of that. Anna asked a Spanish speaking friend the meaning and it means, "You stand!" In the Lord's humorous way, He was one more time reaffirming me to STAND.

============

WORD STUDY

If you notice in the following scripture, the word "stand" in the Greek is used 3 times, and the 4th time the word withstand is used, the root of the word also comes from stand. CAPS mine:

Eph 6:10-18

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to STAND (2476) against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to WITHSTAND(436) in the evil day, and having done all, to STAND(2476). STAND(2476) therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

NT:2476

histemi (his'-tay-mee); a prolonged form of a primary stao (stah'-o) (of the same meaning, and used for it in certain tenses); to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively):

KJV - abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, establish, hold up, lay, present, set (up), stanch, stand (by, forth, still, up). Compare NT:5087.

NT:436

anthistemi (anth-is'-tay-mee); from NT:473 and NT:2476; to stand against, i.e. oppose:

KJV - resist, withstand.

James 4:7 KJV

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist (436) the devil, and he will flee from you.

============

PRECIOUS PARABLE FROM THE PAST:

Saturday's bowling parable really tickled me. Sonshine is on a league where the sizes of the children range from about 3½ feet to 6 feet tall. (I'm not sure of the ages.) I watch the tiniest kids walk out to the line, bend over and either yank or roll that ol' ball all the way down the alley. And then they stand, and stand and stand some more. They watch that ball go about zero miles per hour all the way down, an inch at a time. When the ball finally hits the pins, the pins fall in slow motion too. One at a time, they fall, usually like dominoes in slow motion.

There is one particular tiny girl who stands with her right arm in the air, straight up to heaven, while she watches the ball go down the alley. That arm doesn't budge until the last pin is down. I have seen her week after week do this. It is so precious. She reminds me of baby Moses. Every time I see her it is a pure delight. And she is so short and tiny!!!! I have marveled at the parable:

In warfare and learning our authority, it doesn't matter how powerful, how fast, or how fantastic the delivery of the words, the only thing that matters is the pointing of that little will in the right direction and standing to see the results. Oh God You are so marvelous. I am so blessed to see the things You delight in!

============

QUICKENED SIGN: A mighty oak tree grows from a little nut who holds its ground.

============

CONCLUSION

============

{Words to Ponder are summaries of His quickened Words}

WORD TO PONDER: STAND AND DO NOT BUDGE

I AM training you to be My overcomer. This is training for ruling and reigning, ultimately with darkness under your feet. Your commission is to learn to stand. Standing is a defensive position that does not budge… not even an inch, no matter what.

As you declare My Word, it is like pointing a weapon towards the hindrance, then faithfully waiting for the weapon to make contact. In the midst of the opposing confusion, noise and distraction, it takes the strength of your will to withstand doubt as you believe My Word. It takes an active part to resist and say no to that which drains your faith.

The enemy does not have sovereign knowledge of your will. He tests the will of man to find weak links. When you learn to stand firm without budging, you not only show the enemy that your will is rock hard and unwilling to compromise, but it also closes the breaches to your weaknesses. Learning to stand in My Name will ultimately bring defeat to yours and My enemies.

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)