Standing Firm

By Patrick Michael Murphy

By Paul Chappell

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

“And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.”

Hebrews 11:36–38

Although Charles Spurgeon was a popular and respected preacher, when he took a stand against the liberal theology that was infecting the Baptist Union in England late in his life, he had to stand almost alone. Most of his life-long friends turned against him, accusing him of valuing truth over unity. It was a heartbreaking experience, yet Spurgeon refused to compromise. At one point he said, “I know of nothing which I would choose to have as the subject of my ambition for life than to be kept faithful to my God till death, still to be a soul winner, still to be a true herald of the cross, and testify the name of Jesus to the last hour.”

Loving and serving God does not guarantee short term success. Jesus said, “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you” (John 15:19). We can expect opposition and difficulty. Sadly that sometimes comes not from the world but from other believers who should be standing and serving with us, but who oppose us instead.


In either case, God is looking for people who cannot be stopped—who will serve no matter what happens. These are the faithful ones who are willing to pay the price to do what God has called them to do, and while the world may never recognize or reward them, God considers them worthy of His praise and approval.

Today’s Renewal Principle:
When we are faithful to serve God regardless of the immediate results, He will provide eternal rewards.
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