I am not a confrontational girl. When I do encounter a confrontation, I experience a sensation that feels like needles shooting through my body. Because it’s so uncomfortable I tend to avoid it as often as I can.

However, when it comes to identifying with Christ in the midst of confrontation, I’m willing to feel like a pin cushion!

I enjoy being in conversations learning what others believe. It helps me know where they are coming from and how to pray for them. In turn, I generally receive the opportunity to also share my beliefs.

This is a good practice.

However, sometimes I meet people that simply want to be heard. They get defensive, passionate, and downright ugly about it. When they do, I know I don’t need to argue with them, but simply stand firm in my identity in Christ. For instance:

  • I’ve been told that God is prideful because He wants all the glory.
  • I’ve been told that Jesus was a prophet and not the Son of God, and I am simply naive to believe differently.
  • I’ve been told that God is not a loving God and asked how I could believe in Him.
  • I’ve been told that the word of God is written by a few good men and not inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Have you ever been on the receiving end of someone speaking ugly and untrue things about God?

It is so important that we know what we believe and why. When we do we can stand firm in our faith not wavering as the enemy would want us to. If you are ever challenged by what someone says, go to the Word and search the answers for yourself.

We must have a spiritual resolve knowing that we are in Christ and He is in us.

Consider Daniel’s resolve when he was challenged to stand firm in his faith.

  • While being trained to become the king’s personal servant he demonstrated, with courage, his conviction to not eat food that was offered to idols. (Dan. 1:8-16)
  • There had been a statute enforced to not worship or petition any god or man other than the king. If found guilty that person would be thrown into the lion’s den. However, Daniel continued kneeling three times a day, praying and giving thanks before God, as he had been doing previously. (Dan. 6:6-11)

I want the kind of resolve in Christ that Daniel had. Don’t you?

A quote from Boyd Baily sums it up best, “The righteous cannot be moved because their Master is immovable.”

That makes me shout “Hallelujah!”

Unfortunately, I believe many of us are less like Daniel and more like Peter.

Peter was one of the closest disciples that walked with Jesus. However, when faced with potential consequences of being identified as a follower of Christ he denied him three times. (John 18:15-27)

In Peter’s weakness, he stooped to fear rather than stand in faith.

I’m not bashing Peter, because I have stooped to fear before, as well. But the longer I walk with God the more intimate my relationship grows with Him. By default, my resolve of who I am in Christ continues to grow deeper roots.

As Peter grew in Christ, the man who once stooped in fear, stood in faith and was inspired by the Spirit to pen these words:

I Peter 3:13-16 (ESV) Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.

As a child of God, living our faith out loud, confrontations will surely come. Don’t let that scare you! Do your best to be ready, and know that Jesus is the power within you.  When you stand up for Jesus, He will be standing with you!

 

*This is part 3 in the “REST” series. Click here to view the video of me explaining what “REST” stands for.

Part 1 “I needed God’s Presence.” Part 2 “Releasing your Family, Friends, and Future“.