Several years ago, I remembered hearing the concept of ‘Standing Firm in Faith’ related through a story concerning American Indigenous people. It was said that when they went out onto the battlefield, the warriors would often take a stake and a length of leather cord with them. They would drive the stake into the ground, at the point of their defensive position, and then proceed to tie themselves to the stake. This would make retreat impossible for them. They would fight their fight exactly from that spot – until victory or death.
I have to say that this illustration had a very dramatic impact on my young Christian heart and mind. I definitely appreciated the concept of their “all or nothing” complete dedication to what they were undertaking. There was no ‘PLAN B.’ Too many times, I thought Christ-followers shifted to alternate paths forward. When it got too tough, too dangerous, or too costly, some sort of backup plan allowed them the room to change course for something else. Usually something less intense and less challenging. I know that I had done this myself numerous times along the way. It left me feeling uncomfortable.
However, I now find that I am not attached to the need for that ‘stake & cord mentality.’ Although it paints a dramatic image of commitment and refusal to fall back, I now think it actually might be focused on the wrong point of the battle.
Today, I have come to realize that the “FIRM” in my Faith needs to occur long before I encounter that first sign of conflict, long before I become confused, start retreating or plan on altering my path. Picture it like this; if I am working on a diet plan to prevent over-eating, my reasoning and understanding of how to fight that battle has to be solidly implanted in my head and heart BEFORE I am standing in front of an open fridge door. I guess I could make things easier if I just threw out the refrigerator and all its food. It does solve the problem – albeit a bit radically. But, what if I took the time to strengthen my faith (planned actions/responses) ahead of the trouble that was to come?
And THAT is perhaps the largest truth for those walking in faith to embrace: we have to expect trouble. More people are blind-sided and crushed along the way because they don’t consider the possibilities of action by the enemy and any of the attached individual hardship. Jesus clearly pointed out that it is not a consideration of IF trouble comes for us, but the preparation for WHEN trouble comes. Placing this foreknowledge into our future planning goes a long way to making sure that we are not put off and suddenly struggling for solutions to get around what may face us.
But this understanding does not mean that we fix our eyes on the enemy. We cannot spend all of our time watching for him or the signs of his activity. This is yet another trap to confuse and weaken the faithful. Our connection to the Father must be sturdy and the sole central focus in our lives. Eyes on the Prize. Strongly built up through prayer and our pursuit of the Word. Continued focus on Him and who He is means our trust will be in Him alone – nothing else can shake us. This is the concept of being fully submitted to Jesus long before ill winds start to blow.
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you.” -James 4:7-8
If it starts to seem like God “feels” absent or distant, your faith “feels” dry, or you “feel” alone – you will now clearly be able to see these feelings are not your faith. Your heart can and will deceive you with its feelings and emotions. We must be rooted down deeper than that. And it must happen sooner rather than later in our walk with Him.
There is much wisdom for us to embrace through Proverbs 3:5, which states that we are NOT to lean on our own understanding. God is constantly at our shoulder through the Holy Spirit to show us which path we should take. Not that path that I think looks best, or easiest, or safest. My immediate discussions with Him when things look like they may be heading off track is my protection. It is my cue to fully activate my faith as I work through any situation. I will not be affected by the words of man, be it praise or condemnation. When my audience is always only One, then I see His ways and means ahead of anything else. And in that, I see Him and work with Him in the full potential of His truth and grace. I can remain unaffected by the lying whispers of Satan, his minions, or any situation that may come. Let the winds blow. I will be unchanged, as He has been unchanged since the dawn of all that is.
The apostle Paul put it into direct action steps for his protégé Timothy. His thoughts can also serve us well in our own journey:
“Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith.” -1 Timothy 6:11-12
Don’t wait to strengthen your faith. Don’t expect or hope for defenses to suddenly spring up from nowhere. Do it now! Build them in the most powerful knowledge you have: Who God is and Whose you are. Then, when things go sideways, you will already be standing firm (rooted) in your faith before the first doubt starts to form.
It is not necessarily a response in the moment. It is preparation for the inevitable.
No stake required!
Liz Bell
This is so good Rick. We need to be prepared, we need to be rooted and grounded so deep in Christ (Colossians 2:6-7) …not tied to a stake. Thank you for this.