As I was praying about the state of our world and all the chaos that’s going on, the song “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty immediately came to mind. The lyrics include the powerful statement, “I got just one life; in a world that keeps on pushing me around; but I’ll stand my ground, and I won’t back down.” The song reaches a crescendo as Petty sings, “Hey, baby, there ain’t no easy way out. Hey, I will stand my ground, and I won’t back down.” This seems like such a fitting chorus for us to consider today.
2 Corinthians 4:7-9 says, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God, and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
So, I won’t back down. I will stand my ground!
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 tells us not to lose heart. How could we? Although on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration he is preparing for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow — but the things we cannot see now will last forever.
I believe we were chosen for such a time as this — to live in these dark and chaotic times with a mission to leave a permanent mark of love and point others to Jesus. We should always be mindful and confident that in our weakness, he is strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
I know that things are turbulent right now, but we will get through this by standing our ground and not backing down. Ephesians 6:11 says: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the strategies of the devil.”
One of my favorite scriptures is Isaiah 40:31: “But those who trust in the lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
Declare this with me: My strength is being renewed! I will stand my ground, and I won’t back down!
Robin Killeen is founder of W.O.W. (Women of Wisdom). W.O.W. meets every second Wednesday of the month at noon at the Knight Nonprofit Center in Gulfport.
