Still Standing

A few years ago, I purchased what is known as a “Spiderman Water Bop-bag” for my boys. The way it works is really quite simple. This inflated toy is made of super heavy-duty vinyl for rugged durability and has a weighted water base that keeps it securely grounded for spring-back action. You can hit the toy as hard as you possibly can and it won’t stay down. Every time it encounters a right hook-punch or a left foot thrust-kick, it springs right back up. You can use it and abuse it, mishandle it and mistreat it, defy it and devalue it, but rest assured that it will bop back up into balance because of the immovable base.


In life, the greatest opponents and obstacles usually give their best shots at the least expected and inopportune times. Have you ever experienced an uppercut punch from false accusation in the form of an audit? Have you ever had to endure a thrust kick to the groin by going through a foreclosure on what was once your favorite home? Have you ever fought to stay alive, all the while feeling the overwhelming weight of a pay decrease or loss of job? Have you known the freight of being floored by unfair circumstances and unfavorable losses? In life there are ups and downs, highs and lows. There are great days and not-so-good days too. We all experience the ebb and flow as we travel to and fro. But we must never forget that we will get to our destination, not by being stopped by the face of fear, but by pushing through with the power of peace, bouncing back un-torn, unshaken and undefeated.


"Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, 'Peace, be still!' And the wind ceased and there was a great calm." (Mark 4:39 NKJV)


It's important to note that our chaos cannot be controlled without the powerful presence of peace. God is Peace. The all-powerful presence of Peace can calmly walk into any scenario and command the attention of everything in existence, including whatever storm that threatens to engulf you.


I would like to encourage you that nothing and no one can keep you down. With peace in your heart, you are steadfast to the core, permanently positioned for productivity, despite the flood you are faced with. The adversary may claim to be over your head but you can rest assured that with the God that foe is under your feet. You may be tattered but you’re not torn because you stand secure with the Lord. You may be stirred but you’re not shaken because you stand safe with Jesus. You may have been knocked down but you’re not knocked out because you stand strong with the Prince of Peace. Like many, you may be temporarily diseased with diabetes or another debilitating sickness but you’re not defeated because you’re still standing with the Healer, who brings peace to any and every stormy situation.


Together we can make it a great day!
Rev. Ryan Bunbury