Firm

Firm: strongly felt and unlikely to change; a resolute and determined manner

Have you ever tried to stand on a surface that was wobbly or not really sturdy? It’s pretty hard, right?

Maybe you’ve tried standing on ice. It’s not a simple thing to do. It’s slippery, and your feet slide around. And if it isn’t fully frozen, you have the fear of falling through.

None of these surfaces are stable and aren’t good to stand on. 

In order for us to feel safe and secure, we need a solid surface — a firm surface. Something that won’t give way under pressure. 

So why then, do we think it’s okay to stand on flimsy faith?

There are many instances in the Bible where we are called to have strong faith and to be firm, but the most eye-opening (at least for me) passage comes out of Isaiah 7:9. It says, “…If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.”

I read that and thought wow. 

If we do not stand firm in our faith, it’s like standing on thin ice. We’re either going to slip and fall, or eventually the ice will break and we’ll fall through.

The definition of firm means to strongly feel in a way that makes us unlikely to change; another meaning is “a resolute and determined manner”.

So when I say to stand firm in your faith, I mean to be determined to do whatever it takes to strengthen your faith. To be resolute in your decision, and not be tossed about by every wind. To feel so strongly about it that you don’t let yourself waiver.

Put in the effort to strengthen your faith this week. Determine in your mind this day whom you will choose. And stand. Stand firm. Don’t become comfortable standing on thin ice. 

Stand firm in your faith today, and watch how God begins to work through that faith.

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Maddisen Sauls is the smile and voice behind the Everyday Joy blog as well as the author of the Word of the Week posts and the editor of by leaps and bounds. Throughout her life, Maddisen has worked as a reporter for small town newspapers, a School Age and Preschool teacher, and has acquired her ministerial license. 

An avid book reader and lover of the written word, Maddisen is passionate about using her favorite medium to reach the lost and the hurting, and to offer encouragement and hope to those struggling through life. 

Following her battle with depression, Maddisen has made it her mission to help other people through this journey and to bring joy to the lives of the people around her. 

You can find Maddisen on Instagram @maddisen.paige