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Strand Strong    
If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all (Isaiah 7:9).

Have you ever held a belief or opinion, believing by faith that it was absolutely correct, only to have the opinions of others cause you to self-doubt? There have been many times that I have stood alone on a cause or belief, but under the pressure of opposing opinions around me, I tucked my tail like a puppy and whimpered away into a safe corner. This sometimes happens within Christian circles on spiritual topics or with other moms on parenting issues. One day God caused me to take a second look at this.

It turns out that the Bible is full of people who were singularly, alone in their beliefs and actions for God even while they were surrounded by good people. Had David changed his mind every time those around him second-guessed his decisions, He could not have become a great King. This was a man who, against the advice of his own family and countrymen, went out to face a ridiculously, oppressive giant. He stood alone in his faith – a faith that was crazy, unrealistic, dangerous - and completely in line with God’s will.

It’s worth noting here that King Saul, David’s predecessor, had the kingdom torn from him because he disobeyed God. What was his offense? In his own words; “I was afraid of the people and listened to them.” (1 Samuel 15:24) He was afraid to stand alone.

Then there is Jesus. If you think he was always surrounded by his disciples and had the support of his family when he expressed his out-of-this-world truths, read John, chapter 7. This chapter begins with Jesus’ brothers mocking him, and ends with Jesus preaching in the temple while being ridiculed and even accused of being demon possessed. There were no disciples or family members to stick up for him that day. He was solely alone – and solely right.

I have a message for you dear mom, who needs to ground her child, while all the other kids go out and play; stand up and stand alone if you have to. Let the other parents accuse you of overreacting – but stand your ground. You are the one who is right.

And I have a message for you dear cancer patient who is starting to believe those voices saying that healing just may not be for you; go out and fight the Giant! Let people think you are crazy, unrealistic and dangerous, but find a scripture, stand on it, and throw your stone anyway. Stand alone – even if your family and countrymen tell you you’re crazy. Have a king’s heart!

This is your time to shine. Shine alone? Maybe – but shine anyway. If no one else appreciates it, you can be sure of one thing: You come from a long line of saints who have stood alone and heaven is cheering you on.