How God Steps In When We Need It Most
Let’s be honest: everyone faces hard times. Whether it’s a personal setback, a family issue, or just feeling overwhelmed by life, we all experience moments when it feels like nothing is going our way. At times like these, people of faith look to the Bible for comfort and hope. One powerful message that many find strength in is the idea that “God will raise up a standard” against the things that come to harm or discourage us.
But what does that really mean? And how does it play out in real life? Let’s break it down into simple terms, using some famous stories and verses from the Bible.
When Trouble Comes, God Steps In
Think about the story of the Israelites leaving Egypt in the book of Exodus. They were trapped between the Egyptian army and the Red Sea, with nowhere to go. That’s when Exodus 14:14 says, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” In other words, when things looked impossible, God made a way by parting the sea. He raised up a “standard”—a way for them to escape and be safe. This shows us that even when we can’t see a solution, God is at work behind the scenes.
God’s Protection Is Like a Banner
Another place this idea shows up is in Isaiah 59:19. The verse says that when trouble comes in “like a flood,” the Spirit of God will “lift up a standard” against it. Picture a flag being raised in the middle of a raging storm—something you can look to and rally around. That’s what God’s help is like: no matter how overwhelming life gets, God’s protection is always there, standing tall. It’s a promise that God won’t leave us alone no matter what comes our way.
Staying Strong Even When Life Is Hard
Life isn’t always easy, even for people who believe in God. In Acts 14:22, Paul reminds early Christians that “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” The tough times don’t mean God has left us; instead, God gives us inner strength to keep going. It’s like God is building up our hearts, helping us keep the faith, and holding us up when we feel like giving up.
Knowing Right From Wrong
Sometimes the “enemy” isn’t something outside us, but choices we make. In 1 Corinthians 10:14, Paul tells us to “flee from idolatry”—that is, to avoid putting anything above God in our lives. When we’re tempted to go down the wrong path, God offers a standard of what’s right, giving us wisdom to choose what’s best. It’s like a roadmap that helps us stay on track, even when distractions and temptations abound.
Staying Alert and Trusting in God
Finally, in 1 Peter 5:8, believers are warned to be watchful because “your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion.” Life is full of surprises and dangers, but God’s standard is also about being prepared and trusting that He’s watching over us. As we stay alert and make wise choices, we can trust that God is protecting us from harm we may not even see.
Wrapping It All Up
To sum it up, when the Bible says “God will raise up a standard,” it’s a way of saying that God will always find a way to help, protect, and guide us when things get tough. Sometimes that means rescuing us from a bad situation, sometimes it’s giving us strength to get through it, and other times it’s helping us make the right choices.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or worried about what’s ahead, remember: you’re not alone. God’s promise is that He’ll always be there, raising up a standard for you—offering hope, help, and strength just when you need it most.
Let these words encourage you as you face life’s challenges. Trust that, whatever comes your way, God’s got your back.
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Minister A Francine Green | July 2025
afrancinegreen.com 