Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

~ Ephesians 6:13 ~

There’s a moment in every spiritual battle when you realize that the goal isn’t to fight harder—it’s to stand stronger. When Paul wrote, “after you have done everything, to stand,” he wasn’t calling for passive endurance; he was calling for a posture of steadfast faith, hope, and perseverance— anchored, alert, and armored in Christ. Your faith is the rock on which you stand, unwavering and secure.

Standing firm isn’t about standing still; it’s about standing in truth—whether that’s Divine, Biblical, or Christian Truth (Worldview: Fear of the Lord). It’s about holding onto grace when lies try to overwhelm you, and embracing hope even when life seems tangled, defeated, and hopeless. Keep in mind, it’s your unwavering faith that guides you through these challenging moments. 

Over the past few years, I’ve truly seen how life can test us in unexpected ways. My wife, Sherrie, has shown incredible courage in her fight against brain cancer. Our son Joshua has been battling addiction for over twenty years and is currently in jail, which profoundly affects me as a husband and father. During these challenging times, I’ve also faced my own struggles—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—and learned what it really means to “do everything, and still stand.” Throughout it all, God has reminded me that standing strong isn’t about stubbornness; it’s about spiritual and moral fortitude—the kind that grows when we trust in faith, hope, and perseverance. I’d like to share some lessons I’ve learned and how my faith in Christ has helped me grow throughout my journey to stand.  

1. Stand with Faith — Trusting God’s Character

Our faith in God’s character is the bedrock of our stance in His love. When fear and doubt attack us, our faith reminds us of who God is, not just what He does. During Sherrie's surgeries, when I felt powerless, I had to rely on God’s presence more than my limited perspective. Faith is the unwavering belief that even in the face of uncertainty, God remains good—and His unseen plan is always working for our good (Romans 8:28).

Here’s the step I personally take, and you can do the same: When anxiety hits, say the truth out loud. Swap “I can’t handle this” with “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

2. Stand with Hope — Anchored in God’s Promises

Hope is the anchor that prevents us from drifting when life's storms rage. It’s not wishful thinking; it’s a confident expectation. There are days when Joshua’s addiction feels like an unending battle. But my hope isn’t in his behavior—it’s in God’s principles and promises that His grace reaches deeper than any pit, and that no one is beyond redemption.

Here’s the step I personally take, and you can do the same: Open your Bible, go to a verse of hope each day, write it down if needed, memorize it—like Romans 15:13—and keep it visible. Let it remind you that hope is not lost; it’s alive in Christ.

3. Stand with Perseverance — Enduring Through God’s Power

Perseverance is faith and hope in action, and a crucial part of our salvation. It’s the daily choice to keep showing up, even when life becomes tougher. Therefore, standing firm demands mental and spiritual fortitude—the discipline to armor up each day, pray through every challenge, and keep moving forward when quitting seems easier. God doesn’t ask us to be perfect; He calls us to be persistent with a tender and tenacious heart — fortitude! 

Here’s the step I personally take, and you can do the same: When you feel like giving up, pray a simple prayer: “Lord, help me to stand today.” Then take one step in obedience, however small.

You see, the Armor of God isn’t just a metaphor for comfort—it’s a heartfelt call to be prepared. Salvation, righteousness, truth, faith, peace, and the Word aren’t simply decorative symbols for the believer—they serve as vital defenses in the midst of the battlefield.

Therefore, when the day of tribulation inevitably arrives, remember that God has furnished you with all the necessary provisions. Maintain faith in His nature, hope in His promises, and perseverance in your divine calling.

And after you’ve done everything—stand.

Hence…Stay strong. Shine bright. Suit up!

~ Pastor Drake