So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15:58
Six months ago, I ran my second Spartan Race in Phoenix, Arizona. It was a four mile run with 22 obstacles that I had to conquer. The obstacles included ropes, walls, tires to flip, monkey bars, and much more. For every obstacle that we failed during the run, we had to do 30 burpees before moving back onto the racecourse. The only obstacle that I failed at this run was the Atlas Ball. This obstacle was at the end of the race, and my arms, body, and back were drained from doing a strenuous bucket carry. The Atlas Ball is this round concrete stone that weighs 90 pounds, basically more than half my body weight. The rock sat in a pile of sticky mud, and the goal was to deadlift it, carry it across the field, then drop it and walk back (why I paid money to do this I have no idea!). I couldn't even get the Atlas Ball to move. It was immovable, stuck and firm. I paid the price of 30 burpees!
When it comes to this Forgotten War with evil, Paul encouraged the Church to be strong and immovable. Like a 90-pound Atlas Ball stuck in the mud, we have to be firmly planted in the truths of God's Word to overcome Satan. The devil wants us to be moved. He will shake us through temptation, doubt, pain, or whatever it might take for us to be swayed from our faith. When we are not strong or firm, we are most likely to open the door to compromise.
Imagine if the characters in the Bible would have remained strong and firm instead of giving in to the advances of Satan. David would be remembered as a man after God's own heart, rather than for murdering Uriah and committing adultery. Elijah might not have his story marred after being broken and suicidal. Judas could have avoided the pain he caused to his Mentor and Friend by refusing to turn Jesus into the religious leaders. God doesn't want us to fall. He wants us to be strong.
What does it take to be immovable? Here are a few suggestions on how to remain strong:Read the Bible and spend time in prayer every day.Get into a small group where you can be encouraged, held accountable, and so you can grow. Make church a priority for you and your family.Serve with a heart that wants to give rather than for what you might get out of it.Ask for forgiveness from God and others when you mess up.
Look through those five ways you can be immovable in your faith. Don't just pass through this list quickly, but choose one that you need to work on this week. Write it in your notes section and come up with some action steps that you need to take so you can be strong and immovable in your faith. You are at your best when you depend upon God for strength daily!
Read Psalm 46:1-11 (NLT)
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude
A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High.God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it.The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble!God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts!The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude
Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world.He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude
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