Having Done All I Know to Do, I Stand
Overcoming Being Drained by Unresolved Situations
By Steve Backlund
An excerpt from my book Victorious Mindsets.
“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” (Ephesians 6:13).
Every person has unresolved issues. Whether it is a lingering problem with another person; a circumstance that hasn’t changed for years; an emotional struggle or habit which keeps reappearing; or a new tough situation that has just emerged—we all have challenges before us. It’s in these situations that we learn “to stand.”
When faced with unsettled matters, scripture teaches us to:
1) Do all we know to do: Seek God for wisdom. Take the steps He leads you to take in action, prayer, and faith.
2) STAND: Standing is holding steadfast to the belief that God is working in the situation in a mighty way. Standing is resting, trusting, thanking, and obeying the last thing God said about the circumstance.
I have found it too easy in my life to fret over what is actually out of my control. Yes, if there is more to do, by all means I need to do it. But if I don’t have a clear word on further steps to take, I must stand in peace in the midst of uncertainty and unresolved issues. This strong mindset is vital for our development as Christians and is a powerful leadership quality.
The Apostle Paul tells us to “take up” the full armor of God. This is something we all can do. We do this not only to stand against the devil, but also so that we are “able to withstand in the evil day.” The evil day represents those times when we face a seeming onslaught of uncertainty and testing. This “evil day” can happen to us personally, as a family, a church, or even as a nation. Whatever the case, after we have done what we know to do, then we STAND in the midst of the junk, knowing that God is powerfully working in the unseen realm on our behalf. Praise the Lord!
Having Done All I Know to Do, I Stand
Overcoming Lies, Making Declarations, Practical Wisdom
LIES TO OVERCOME
I will never be able to walk in consistent victory
The challenges I have experienced in life will not be turned to good for me
I am a weak person
God is only working when I see Him working
I am not prepared for the battles I will face
DECLARATIONS TO STRENGTHEN THIS MINDSET
I am filled with hope that joyfully expects good things to happen
The joy of the Lord is my strength and with Him I will never burn out
I love God and He is working all things together for my good
I am more than a conqueror through Jesus
My heart and mind is guarded by the peace of God that transcends all understanding
PRACTICAL WISDOM
Face the worst thing that could happen – I call this bottom lining. One of my declarations is this: “Even if the worst happens, I will be okay.” This helps take the fear out of the current difficulty. In most situations, the worst will not happen.
Focus on what God is doing – In every situation, God is doing more than we know. Feed on testimonies of others who have overcome what you are facing. The widow in 2 Kings 4:1-7 thought she had nothing, but she already had the key to breakthrough: her jar of oil.
Increase your thanksgiving – Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to exchange worry for peace by prayer that is mixed with thanksgiving. The result of this is that the “peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”