There is a common phrase that people say, “Keep fighting”.  This phrase is applied to many situations and I am fairly certain you can think of one instance in your life that someone told you to keep fighting.  Sometimes to keep fighting is not the answer. Instead of fighting, consider the many Bible verses that say to “stand firm”.  There are over 30 verses that command us to “stand firm” between the Old and New Testament.  From Moses to Ezra to Job to David to Solomon to Isaiah to Jesus to Paul and more – we are told to “stand firm”. See below for just a few example verses. 

Exodus 14:13:  “Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again’.” 

2 Chronicles 20:17: “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.” 

Psalm 20:8: “They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.” 

Isaiah 7:9  “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.”

Matthew 10:22: “You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” 

Luke 21:19 : “Stand firm, and you will win life.” 

1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you.” 

1 Corinthians 16:13: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”

Galatians 5:1: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of sin.”

So how do we stand firm?  2 Corinthians 1:21 says “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ.”  The answer is God.  God is how we stand firm. It is not in our own strength, but through our relationship with God that we are able to stand firm.  So don’t just keep fighting in every situation without praying through whether God would have you fight or stand firm. If you feel God is telling you to stand firm, then know and believe God’s promises. There is no need to fight. “The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you.” Deuteronomy 30:1.

Let’s pray. Father, please give us wisdom in our circumstances to know whether you would have us keep fighting or stand firm. Either way, please give us Your strength. In Jesus’ name, amen.