The word for this week is "stand"! There are a few Greek words translated stand in the New Testament, but we'll be looking only at the one found in Ephesians 6:10-17. I'm using the entire passage because it really all goes together!
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
This is the Greek word "histemi". Strong's Concordance simply says "to stand", but Thayer's Greek Lexicon says this: to cause or make to stand; to place, put, set. It also adds: to make firm, fix, establish. Vine's Expository Dictionary adds this definition as it pertains to these verses: steadfastness. When we really know and understand what the Word of God says about any particular situation or circumstance, we WILL be able to "stand" strong, without wavering, as we wait to see the complete manifestation of the promise! It's also interesting that the word "withstand" in verse 13 above is this Greek word, "anthistemi" which means to "stand" against or to oppose, according to Strong's Concordance. There is a lot of standing going on in these verses! Standing strong for and in HIM and His Word, and standing, with the same tenacity, AGAINST the enemy and his lies and tricks and strategies! And we are able to do it all "in the power of HIS might"! I also REALLY like these verses from the Amplified Bible:
11 Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. 12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. 13 Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. 14 Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God, 15 And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. [Isa 52:7.] 16 Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one]. 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God. AMP
Yay God! These are powerful promises and instructions from our powerful God! We LOVE standing with you and your family in prayer! Here is a real song of commitment from Hillsong United called "The Stand":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
