Stand, Don't Lean

A story was shared of a pastor that needed a bigger church for his growing congregation, but the church didn’t have the funds. They continued to commit this need to the Lord in prayer as they served faithfully. Then a call came! A big church was closing down and they were offering their large building to them for free. What a gift! What an answer to prayer! But there was one caveat… the pastor that was leaving wanted to be assured that this new church would continue to “lean left” as he had done, in support of the liberal agendas and free choice.

The incoming pastor stood there stunned for a minute trying to process what he thought was an answer to prayer, only to be asked to sacrifice Biblical standards in order to get this “free” gift. A holy indignation rose up inside of him… he stood up and said, “I don’t think I can accommodate your request. You see, I don’t lean left or lean right, I STAND on the Holy Word of God.” The building offer was retracted, but God in His faithfulness provided a bigger, better building, also for free, shortly thereafter.

“Be watchful, STAND FIRM in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). God is looking for men and women who won’t sacrifice His standards for worldly “progress.” The church of these end-days will be tempted and tested, purified in the fire and refined. The true church will continue on in the grace, mercy and provision of God, while many fall prey to this world.

May we be prepared…  “Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, STAND FIRM” (Ephesians 6:13).

(Devotional by Cheryl Hall-Laos)