How Long to Stand

Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. 15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
Hebrews 12:14-15 NLT

When we run into difficult times, we know to pray. We know to ask others to stand in faith with us. We know that God promised to never leave us or forsake us. The question is - how long do we know it? How long do we believe it?

When troubles and trials come as they will and often do (Jesus said they would), do we have the foundation of God's Word laid well enough to be able to stand against the storms? Friends and prayer partners who will help us to stand? What if it lasts days or weeks? Months? Even years? God forbid! No one wants to think about storms that last that long. 

It is in those times that we must rigorously guard our hearts and minds with the Word of God. We must stand in the gap for and with our brothers and sisters and be mindful that we don't build up resentment toward God. Especially since it's never confined to just ourselves. Resentment and bitterness multiply and affect everyone within our sphere of influence. Hebrews 3:12-13 tells us, Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. 

How long should we know it? The answer is found in verse 14 - For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. To the end...

Prayer:

Father,

          Thank You for Your Word at all times, but especially for those times that are harder than others. Your Word gives us a firm foundation to stand on when everything around us seems like sinking sand. Help us to stand firm and to have a heart of compassion to help those around us, as well. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.