Maybe We Just Need to “Man Up”

Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. – 1 Corinthians 16:13

This chapter is short and to the point. The reality is that we live in a fallen, cursed world that is in the middle of a raging spiritual war, with forces of darkness and evil that hate us and want to destroy us.[1] Therefore, things will continue to be dark, difficult, and dangerous on this side of heaven. Scripture also warns us that the way forward can be fraught with peril, especially for those who stand up for truth and for Christ (Mat 10:21–25, 34–39; 24:9; Mar 13:13; Luk 21:17; Joh 16:33; 2Ti 3:12; Rev 2:10).[2]

The very act of denying that reality can cause AWDF because when there is a mismatch between our expectations and reality, that tension often creates anxiety or fear. Sometimes we just need to stop living in denial of those facts and “man up,” as the saying goes. We may not like everything we have to face in this world as we resist evil and stand for truth (Isa 5:20; Pro 28:4; 31:8–9; Eph 5:11; 6:11–13; Jas 4:7; Rom 12:9; Psa 94:16; Amo 5:15; 2Ti 4:2), but as Scripture says, we must “stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1Co 16:13). We see it further written, “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline” (1Ti 1:7).

The examples set forth in the next section of the book—“Giants of the Faith”—can help inspire and encourage you when you are facing difficult or dangerous situations.

CHAPTER PRAYER

Lord, thank You so much for being loving and good to me. Father, I know You know that we are surrounded by evil and forces of darkness in this world. We read that You did not want us to be taken out of the world but to be kept from the evil one and strengthened by faith and prayer so we can stand firm in our faith when facing difficult times. Father, I pray that I may have the same steadfastness of faith as the men and women who came before me, especially when they faced unknown, dark, difficult, or dangerous times. I’m trying to take all the encouragement I can from Your Word, so please grant me any wisdom I will need to navigate this fallen world and give me strength by Your Spirit to stand firm in my faith and walk with dignity, honor, humility, integrity, kindness, compassion, peace, and truth as an ambassador for Your Son here on earth. Thank You again for everything You have done for me. To the King eternal, I pray. Amen.

[1] → [The Reality of This Fallen World, The Armor of God]

[2] → [The Sufferings of Paul]

R. John Anderson

Author and photographer R. John Anderson has journeyed the world over to capture the natural beauty of God’s creation. Having traveled to many countries and continents in a span of over thirty years, he has seen the amazing artistry that can be found in all types of locations, from the glacial fjords of polar Greenland to the wild Serengeti plains in Tanzania to the rich rain forests of Costa Rica. Nature’s greatest natural beauty often lies in the harshest deserts, remotest wilderness, and sub-zero ice-covered regions.