Courage to Stand Alone

"At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (II Timothy 4: 16-18 KJV)

Paul stood his ground for he knew he was right. He had convictions and was willing to stand for them even if no one else did. He stood his ground for his convictions even at the peril of his life. See and admire him in the courage of his convictions about the truth of scripture, especially as it concerns God's religion and the person of Jesus Christ.

Every martyr is one who stood his/her ground for the Lord's sake. But, equally true, is that the Lord stood with Paul and the martyrs.

We can be assured that the Lord stands with us when we ourselves stand for his word and his gospel.

It is not easy to "buck the crowd," to go against common opinion, to think freely and independently, especially when it involves adverse consequences. It requires courage in one's convictions.

To take a stand for morality and righteousness, and for godliness, more and more requires courage from the Lord. The enemies of these things have inordinate wrath for such things, in these depraved times, and therefore "curse the blessed of the Lord" and "bless the cursed of the Lord," and who "call evil good, and call good evil."

"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 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 in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand 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..." (Ephesians 6: 10-17 KJV)

Father, give us the grace and strength of courage to stand for you and for your truth.