Stand.

Revelation 12:11
They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

Believers overcome by focusing on the cross of Christ and by sharing His cross. It is only by the cross of Christ, remembering the price He paid for us, that we are strengthened to overcome temptation, persecution, spiritual warfare and the accuser himself (v. 10). Because of the blood of the Lamb, the accuser has nothing against us. It is only by sharing the cross of Christ with a condemned world that the Kingdom of God will overcome. The church is not called to cluster together in a defensive effort, but to advance into the world and overcome the vary gates of hell by the Word of God (Matthew 18:16). By this testimony, we not only prevail in the world, but we also encourage and strengthen our brothers and sisters who have placed their lives in danger by doing so. (visit www.persecution.com to hear some amazing stories of brave believers who boldly advance the kingdom of Christ at their own painful and personal expense.)
According to Scripture, things do not get easier or better for the church, but much more difficult (Matthew 24). We must focus our eyes on the Cross of Christ and our mouths on His Word if we are going to accomplish what Christ has called us to (Matthew 28:19-21).

Father - strengthen m by Your cross to help me stand and boldly proclaim your Word in my life. Amen.