Having Done All, Stand
Close to the end of my two years aboard a small Navy ship, I was feeling really confident that I knew what I was doing. I felt confident that I could handle almost anything that presented itself because I had been taught properly, as well as having the support of the other men on the ship when needed.
FEATUREDDEVOTIONS
Having Done All, Stand (by Tim Klink of Prison Discipleship Ministry)
Ephesians 6:13
“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
When I enlisted in the United States Navy I had absolutely no idea how to be a sailor. It was during the Veit Nam war, and of course, nobody really wanted to go there and not return. I served about one year in the reserves while I completed high school, and during the meetings I learned several things, such as how to stand guard over a door that went nowhere. I was learning how to carry out orders, which is vital to survival.
The day came for the bus ride to boot camp. That was the first I had ever been away from home, and I was scared. More things were taught me about how to be a beneficial part of the defense of our country, and how to survive some horrible conditions. After boot camp, and a short stay aboard a ship, I returned home to wait upon my orders which came a few months later. I was starting to feel more secure about what was expected of me, but still somewhat scared.
Close to the end of my two years aboard a small Navy ship, I was feeling really confident that I knew what I was doing. I felt confident that I could handle almost anything that presented itself because I had been taught properly, as well as having the support of the other men on the ship when needed.
Looking back, I see how God was working in my life in all things to be better equipped to serve Him. The training I received was vital, but it was the Lord who allowed me to receive it for His purpose. Having received God’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ, and having the very Word of God as my training for all situations, why would I do anything other than stand when things get tough?
God's Word tells us that He has prepared all things so that we may be able to stand, not so we can run away. Are you standing in the confidence that God is totally in charge, or are you allowing the enemy to convince you to run? Never doubt in darkness what you have learned in the light. Stand!
