God Is AbleSample

God Is Able to Keep You Standing

“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.” (Ephesians 6:11–13)

During visits to Israel, I’ve had the opportunity to see the ruins at Beth-shean (modern Beit-She’an), where layer after layer of fallen civilizations has been unearthed, each built on the remains of the one before it. As you may remember, Beth-shean is the place where the Philistines fastened the bodies of King Saul and his sons after their victory in battle. It later became part of Solomon’s kingdom. Today, Roman columns and stone mosaics still stand among the remains, which continue to be carefully excavated.

On a hillside overlooking the site stands a single tree. Its branches are bare, and it has been dead for years. When the site was used to film a movie years ago, the director wanted a tree in the skyline, so workers found a dead tree and placed it in cement. Many years later, it is still standing because of what is underneath it.

God calls us to stand for Him, but He never expects us to stand alone. He provides the armor for the battle and the strength for the day. It is not our power, but His, that keeps us from falling. “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy” (Jude 24).

How does God keep us standing? He has given us His perfect Word. He gives us other Christians whose fellowship and influence encourage us to grow. Most of all, He has given us the Holy Spirit, who is always present to help. We are able to stand only because He is able to keep us standing.

Today’s Takeaway: No matter how fierce the battle, God is able to keep you standing through His power and grace.