How You Can Stand Strong on the Truth of the Good News
I’m not strong. Not even a little. I am foolish and weak . . . prone to worry and anxiety.
And I would be an absolute mess were it not for Jesus!
A number of years ago, I highlighted and starred the following words in the notes of my Bible:
Just as we are saved by God’s grace, we should live by it . . . trusting completely in Christ and His power and not trying to live for Christ in our strength alone.
I have to get up every morning and intentionally surrender my day to Jesus, asking Him to give me the strength and power I need to trust Him with my life.
Paul wrote these words to Timothy:
Be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:1)
And then I dig into His Word and lean on the promises of His Good News.
Always remember that Jesus Christ . . . was raised from the dead. This is the Good News. (2 Timothy 2:8)
Because if you and I truly believe that Jesus Christ predicted His death and resurrection and then accomplished it . . . nothing else matters. If when we look at the way His followers who were prone to fear and foolishness, we can see bold proclaimers of His Good News . . . then we know we can trust God to give us what we need as well.
Paul continued to tell Timothy how to stand strong on the truth of the Good News about Jesus while living in the real world:
- Remember who Jesus is and what He has done. (2 Timothy 2:8)
- Avoid worthless worldly arguments. (2 Timothy 2:14,16)
- Work hard. (2 Timothy 2:15)
- Turn away from evil . . . pursue faithfulness, love, and peace. (2 Timothy 2:22)
- Gently correct those who oppose the truth about Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:25)
Wow, that’s a daunting list, isn’t it?
This is why I’ll go back to what I said at the beginning. I’m weak and foolish. I can’t do this on my own! I need Jesus to guide me and help me stand strong on the truth, the Good News of His love and saving grace.
A Prayer to Stand Strong on the Truth of the Good News about Jesus
Father, thank you for loving us so much You willingly sacrificed Your Son, a member of the Trinity, a piece of Yourself to save a lost and condemned world. You could have judged and destroyed it all and started over; yet, You chose sacrificial love. Please forgive us for the way we take Your gift for granted. Too often, we flip a quick word of gratitude Your way and then go off and live the way we want. Too often, we allow ourselves to get distracted by the world’s loudest voices. Please forgive us. Please forgive me.
I want to stand strong on the foundation of Jesus. I want to live the truth of the Good News. I want to pause every day and remember how blessed I am by all You have done for me. Please prompt me to daily surrender myself to Your love and follow Jesus. Please help me pursue failthfulness, love, and peace. And please help me courageously share the truth of Your love with others. I love You, Lord, and I give myself to You that I might live this day by Your grace and for Your glory. Amen.
One more thing is necessary for those of us who want to stand strong and resist foolishness and weakness…
Run from evil!
It’s important for us to know God’s will, set safe boundaries, and pray for the strength to resist temptation.
The other day, I read a devotion that encouraged me to pray this verse:
“Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.
Deuteronomy 6:4–5
And then to follow it with:
“Our Father in heaven,
Matthew 6:9–13 (KJV)
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our [sins],
as we also [forgive those who sin against us].
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
[Yours alone is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever.] Amen.
I’ve asked the Lord to prompt my heart to come to Him with that prayer often. It is blessing me and helping me to focus on Jesus, the One who both makes our faith possible and perfects it unto life everlasting.
On today’s note write:
I trust the Lord will help me stand strong on the truth of the Good News about Jesus!
May God bless you and give you everything you need to stand strong today.
Like you, Deb, I find myself having to surrender to the Lord anew, each and every day. We are so foolish sometimes, aren’t we, thinking we can make it through life without His help? No! We need God’s presence in our lives every moment that we draw breath.
Blessings, my friend!
Amen, Martha! I fought daily surrender and tried to do too much on my own for years. I am so thankful that the Lord brought me to my senses and allowed some life experiences that made me realize that humble trust and the surrender of my whole life are so much better. Have a beautiful day!!
Hi Deb,
I’m sure in many ways I already know the answer to what seems to ail me as a Christian woman…although I am not plugged into the world…no social media and avoid the news, I am not naive as to what seems to be going on around me…as Christians, what’s the best advice when navigating this turbulent sea?
My answer is and always will be to focus on the Lord, His word, His laws…without now saying “but” … as Christians…what if anything are we to do to not feel like we’re sticking our heads in the sand with all the “evil” and corruption going on…this is where I need my peace… it’s my heavy question without questioning the word of the Lord. I hope this makes sense…as always, thank you for your time to lift us up during these dark days…Blessings to all!
Lily
Oh, Lily, what a great question. It’s one I think about often. I do believe we’re living at a time when we can no longer look the other way and pretend everything will get better. We are called to love and part of loving others is speaking the truth. The thing I think too often gets ignored is the command to speak the truth with “gentleness and respect.” I don’t think we have are to shout or call out what’s wrong to point out the truth of what should be. Sin should make us angry but we are called to be angry but not to sin. We want to love others with the truth of God’s Word and His love and PRAY like crazy that He will work His power and transform lives and even nations that all might know and love the Lord and live for His glory. Blessings!
Thank you Deb. All I can do is pray and be an example with kindness. I tell my children, family, and friends…there are many colors in the box…you choose what inspires you…and I’ll choose mine…BUT just because you say you like orange when the crayon is blue…doesn’t make it so…it is what it is and a culture willing to change the words of the Lord…well…that’s for Him to judge…and for me, to be remain kind. The sin makes me angry…and I pray for His strength as we all endure whether we know we are or not…thanks again. Much appreciated.
Amen, Lily! Thanks so much for sharing that! God bless you!
Thank you Deb, I love saying these prayers with you.
Thank you, Angela! God be with you and bless you!