Stand Sure...even when you aren't!

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

You know you are doing something right, when Satan blatantly attacks you! Normally, I don't talk about the supernatural battle that we, as christians, are constantly battling; but I will say this--we are in a battle ya'll! (yes, my inner redneck did come out!) 

Years ago when Scottish clans fought with each others they needed special elements that would recognizable on the battle field. Each clan had its war cry that would also have psychological effect on the enemy and help to find members of the clan on the battle field. Similar purpose sometimes was connected with tartans.

* Campbell – Cruachan!
* Bruce – Garg’n Uair Dhuisgear – (“Fierce when rosed”)
* MacLean  – Bas no Beatha – (“Death or Life!”) – to commemorate part of prayer of saint Columba
*Anderson, of which I am a proud member has the cry of "Stand Sure!" 

It is into this cry of Stand Sure that I want to delve. Standing Sure can mean that you have Absolute Resolve or that you are standing firm upon your convictions or even God's Word. I like to say that those of Clan Anderson Stand Sure of our Kin, Kith and Kirk--those who make up our Clan.

This week leading up to my dCom has been very stressful for me, but I have held my own. When I went to work on Wednesday, I was told "Rachel, you are a solid employee and because of that, you are getting a 3% raise at work." This takes my income to a whole new level--and really had me second guessing my calling. I can't lie, it really did. Then on Friday, I was pulled into a room at work and asked to listen to a phone call where the major parts of the call were missing (like when I kept asking the customer to calm down, and let me get a pro) this meeting ended with me being falsely accused. Suddenly, I was heart-broken because now, I am a bad employee--even though I know the truth and told my boss what happened. Later yesterday evening, I ran across a quote that says (paraphrase here) "To escape unjust criticism, you must do nothing and be nothing." Then I get to thinking as I continue my day at work "You are good at this...out of the thousands of phone calls you have taken and the thousands of customers that you have worked with-you can't let ONE get next to you--you've been enough this entire time for your customers and they love you! 

When I came home tonight I saw my Clan Anderson Tartan laying on my bed, I looked at the oak tree and I thought to myself..."Rachel, you gotta Stand Sure!" You know the truth, you know exactly what happened...this is an ATTACK BY THE ENEMY! The people that you think want you to succeed, really just want you to fail...you are being attacked because, YOU are following God!

Exodus 14:13-14 states And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

So this week, I have made the decision to practice "Standing Sure" in the Truth of God's word; and letting the Lord fight for me. Yes, I was wronged; we all are. Yes, I was hurt; we all are. Yes, I feel terrible; but I have a God who cares for me.

“When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.” Isaiah 59:19

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

So tonight, as I lay down to say my prayers, I will ask God to preserve my job--and to help me Stand Sure!