When we think of standing like the brave—how often do we feel as weak as water! Some are naturally bold; others not. But God’s biddings are His enablings. Remember Jeremiah, who felt he was only a child, Moses, who felt he could not speak, Ellen Harmon the weak and frail, and many more who became empowered by God’s strength. “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength” (Isaiah 40:29).

Remember John of Saxony. During the great Reformation in Germany, when the Confession was to be signed by the princes, “the reformers were solicitous that their cause should not be confounded with political questions; they felt that the Reformation should exercise no other influence than that which proceeds from the Word of God. As the Christian princes advanced to sign the Confession, Melancthon interposed, saying, ‘It is for the theologians and ministers to propose these things, while the authority of the mighty ones of earth is to be reserved for other matters.’ ‘God forbid,’ replied John of Saxony, ‘that you should exclude me. I am resolved to do my duty, without being troubled about my crown. I desire to confess the Lord. My electoral hat and robes are not so precious to me as the cross of Jesus Christ.’ Having thus spoken he wrote down his name. Said another of the princes as he took the pen, ‘If the honor of my Lord Jesus Christ requires it, I am ready to leave my goods and life behind me.’ ‘Rather would I renounce my subjects and my States, rather would I quit the country of my fathers, staff in hand,’ he continued, ‘than to receive any other doctrine than is contained in this Confession.’ Such was the faith and daring of those men of God.”1

When called to stand . . .

“As thy days, so shall thy strength be” (Deuteronomy 33:25, last part).

Problems are mounting, the enemy is escalating his attacks. Indeed, “many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19).

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified” (1 Peter 4:12–14).

“The temptations of Satan are greater now than ever before, for he knows that his time is short and that very soon every case will be decided, either for life or for death. It is no time now to sink down beneath discouragement and trial; we must bear up under all our afflictions and trust wholly in the Almighty God of Jacob. . . .

“We must have on the whole armor of God and be ready at any moment for a conflict with the powers of darkness. When temptations and trials rush in upon us, let us go to God and agonize with Him in prayer. He will not turn us away empty, but will give us grace and strength to overcome, and to break the power of the enemy.”2

“The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul. The mark of the beast will be urged upon us. . . .

“When trees without fruit are cut down as cumberers of the ground, when multitudes of false brethren are distinguished from the true, then the hidden ones will be revealed to view, and with hosannas range under the banner of Christ. Those who have been timid and self-distrustful will declare themselves openly for Christ and His truth. The most weak and hesitating in the church will be as David—willing to do and dare. The deeper the night for God’s people, the more brilliant the stars. Satan will sorely harass the faithful; but, in the name of Jesus, they will come off more than conquerors.”3

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Amen!