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Stand Firm


Suspension bridge

I love hiking. The beauty of nature and the opportunity to explore new paths awaken my sense of adventure. You will often find me on local trails with a camera in hand and earbuds playing my favorite music or podcast. Most of the time, I venture out on my own, but on this particular day, my son joined me.


There was nothing unusual about the route we chose until we spotted a swinging bridge ahead. As soon as I saw it, I hesitated. Crossing that bridge would test my balance and challenge my confidence. In that moment, two simple words filled my mind: Stand firm.


My son never broke stride as he approached the bridge. He stepped onto it without a second thought. I, on the other hand, paused, took a deep breath, and quietly repeated those words to myself: stand firm. As I took my first steps onto the bridge, my instinct was to grip the side rails—if you can call thin wires "rails"—and keep my eyes fixed on the other side.


At first, every movement felt uncertain. The bridge swayed beneath my feet, and I became acutely aware of every shift and bounce. But as I continued forward, I found the rhythm of the bridge. My steps grew steadier. My confidence increased. Before long, I was no longer focused on the movement beneath me but on the destination ahead.


In many ways, that moment reminded me of Paul's encouragement in 1 Corinthians 16:13: "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong." Standing firm is not about having perfect balance or complete confidence. It is about trusting God enough to take the next step, even when the bridge beneath you feels unsteady.


Isn't that often how life works?


There are seasons when the ground beneath us feels stable and secure, and then there are seasons when everything seems to shift unexpectedly. A diagnosis, a loss, a broken relationship, a financial setback, or an unexpected change can leave us feeling as though we're standing on a bridge that won't stop moving.


Throughout my life, the call to stand firm has echoed loudly during those uncertain moments.


Raising two sons—stand firm.


Becoming a single mom—stand firm.


Losing my mom and dad—stand firm.


Losing a job and trusting God for what came next—stand firm.


Again and again, God has reminded me that standing firm does not mean pretending life is easy. It doesn't mean we never feel afraid, discouraged, or overwhelmed. It means choosing to trust Him even when our circumstances feel unsteady. It means placing our confidence in the One who never changes when everything around us seems uncertain.


The call to stand firm appears throughout Scripture. Moses encouraged the Israelites, trapped between Pharaoh's army and the Red Sea, saying, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm..." (Exodus 14:13). David repeatedly proclaimed throughout the Psalms that God is his rock, refuge, and strong foundation. Then, in Ephesians 6, Paul instructs believers to put on the full armor of God so that when difficulties come, they can stand firm against them.


Notice that Scripture never promises we won't face challenges. Instead, it reminds us where our strength comes from when we do. God never asks us to stand firm alone. He provides His presence, His promises, and His power to sustain us every step of the way.


I still love hiking, even when the path is uncertain and unsteady. Life contains many moments when I don't know what comes next. If you had told me on the day I married that my marriage would not last, I would not have believed you. Yet even through life's greatest surprises, God has remained faithful.


What I know for certain is this: every step I take is one that God already sees. He is never surprised, never absent, and never unprepared for what lies ahead. When I begin to drift, He gently guides me back to the path He has prepared.


Those two simple words—stand firm—have become more than a reminder. They have become a declaration of faith. God is my rock. He is the foundation that holds me steady when life feels like a swinging bridge beneath my feet. He is my source of strength when I feel weak, my courage when I feel afraid, and my hope when the path ahead is unclear.


No matter what challenge you are facing today, know this: you do not stand alone. The God who called you to stand firm is standing with you every step of the way.


FOR FURTHER THOUGHT  

The saying goes, “Life is what you make it.” If your life is anything like mine has been, I would argue that some of my own personal challenges did not involve choices I made. Instead, the choices came afterward as I decided to stand firm and trust God with the outcome or fall apart because everything seemed too overwhelming.


Think about those times in your life that you have made the choice to stand firm or choose an alternate route. What helped you to be successful at that moment? Who are your people that stand by your side no matter what? Do you believe God is always present, especially in the times when life is not what you imagined?


If you find it hard to answer the questions above, take some time to sit with each one. Think back to one of your biggest struggles and remember what helped you make it through, and who walked beside you along the way. If you are still in the middle of a personal challenge, what is one step you can take today to move forward? Write down the names of the people you trust—the ones who encourage you, pray for you, listen without judgment, and remind you of what is true. Do not be afraid to reach out and let them help carry the weight.


You have the ability to stand firm because God is beside you. He is your strength when you feel weak, your hope when the path feels uncertain, and your steady foundation no matter what comes next.


PRAYER  

Heavenly Father — Today I struggle to remember that You are who You say and that You are always with me. Life feels overwhelming and causes my focus to shift from You to everything else. I find that in these moments, I need You more than ever and ask today that You make known Your presence as I fight against the challenges I am facing. As I call upon Your Name, I ask for You to open my ears to hear, my eyes to see, and my heart to receive the strength You have waiting for me. I know Your goodness and kindness reign all the days of my life. May I begin each day with praise on my lips for the gifts You provide no matter what comes my way. Thank You for Your endless love and grace. I pray this in the name of Your son, Jesus. Amen.


ABOUT MARY GEISEN

Mary Geisen

After divorce reshaped her family in 2006 and the loss of her former husband left her two teenage sons without their father just two years later, Mary Geisen discovered God's grace in ways she never expected. A retired teacher, author, Bible study leader, and mom to two grown sons and a daughter-in-love, Mary now encourages others through her writing, discipleship, and honest conversations about faith, healing, and hope. A lover of coffee, deep conversations, and everyday grace, she continues to share how God's Word has carried her through life's hardest seasons and inspired a journey of brave faith.


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