“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.”
— 1 Corinthians 16:13 – 14
Life can throw some frightening things at you — totally out of the blue. Be ready, and stand true to what you believe. Be strong and brave in the faith God has given you. Everything you do must be done with love.
Rosa knew about frightening things. Her mom remarried three years after Rosa’s dad left them. Rosa grew to love her stepdad and stepsister. Just when they seemed like a real family, crisis struck again. Rosa’s mom was diagnosed with a disease that would eventually confine her to a wheelchair. Rosa’s own faith wavered, but in the coming weeks, she learned about courage and trust from watching her parents. They stood true to what they believed: that God was good ALL the time, that he had everything under control, and that they could trust him. No matter what.
God wouldn’t command you to do something unless he was willing to help you do it. During a crisis or difficult time, simply “standing firm” doesn’t sound like much to accomplish, but it is. Say over and over — out loud — “God loves me, and I can trust him.” Do it as long as it takes to build your faith up.
More To Explore: Colossians 4:2
Girl Talk: Did you ever think standing still and strong could be so tiring and disheartening? Who can you ask for support as you stand strong?
God Talk: “Lord, I want to be strong for you. Please give me the strength to do what is right and not budge. Amen.”
From Shine On, Girl! by Kristi Holl