Standing Firm

Any nerds out there who have always loved everything about August because it meant new school supplies? Anyone else run on a school year calendar rather than January to December (despite having been out of school for years)? The start of the new school year is exciting because it represents a new world of possibilities: new classes, new friends, a new schedule and of course, new supplies! 

But this fall is not the same. This fall does not feel like something new, it feels like more of the same: more uncertainty, more changes to school routines, and more precautions. Without the newness to rejuvenate us and our families, how can we breathe new life into our routines? How can we stay the course? How can we stand firm?

Together. We can stand firm by standing together.

“So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.”

2 Thessalonians 2:15 NIV

In 2 Thessalonians 2:15, Paul instructs the Thessalonians to stand firm and to hold fast. The word he uses is “steko”, which is a military word used for soldiers to encourage them to hold their positions. Interestingly, the shield used by Roman soldiers at the time was huge and designed to cover the soldier. It could be used to defend an attack, but also to push back opposing forces. It was especially successful as a defense when a group of soldiers positioned themselves so that they formed an enclosure, with the shields all facing out. When positioned in this formation, called a phalanx, it was incredibly difficult for an enemy to penetrate the line.

This is what we need to be doing right now. We need to metaphorically stand shoulder to shoulder with one another to defend against the enemies of fatigue, discouragement and loneliness. We may not be able to meet as we are accustomed, but we can make accommodations so that we can come alongside one another and stay connected. 

This year we have all had a lot to face. Not only are we dealing with a health crisis, any additional difficulty is magnified by the complications of a global pandemic. As believers, we do not have to face it alone. God created us to stand shoulder to shoulder with one another. How can we do that as group members?

We can keep meeting, even if all meetings are virtual. While virtual connection fatigue is real, we can decide to make the best of all of our communication options. We can call one another to check in. We can pray for one another. We can be creative in the ways we connect. We can seek to be thankful, to see God working and to look to meet a friend’s need for help. 

It’s time to grab your shield and form your phalanx. Who is in your formation? Who do you need to include? Decide today to stand firm, and seek God’s wisdom for your groups. We are praying for you.