Stand, Even When Standing Feels Like Falling
by Donavon L Riley

The prince of the underworld, the devil himself, rises like smoke from the depths, his host of demons swirling around you, whispering their poisoned promises. He fans the flames of desire, that old, familiar hunger for what is easy, what is self-indulgent. He whispers in your ear, “Stop fighting. Stop resisting. Why struggle against the tide when you can just let go, sink into the pleasure, the comfort? Wouldn’t it be simpler?” His voice is honeyed, seductive, full of false ease. He plays on your exhaustion, your doubts. But you must not listen. You must keep your gaze inward, centered, steady.

Listen deeper—there, from your right, is the voice you truly need to hear. Your guardian angel speaks through, clear as a bell, reminding you: “You are in the thick of battle now, against your passion, against the dark forces that have risen to take you down. Do not run. Do not fear. Your Lord, the true Commander, stands at your side, His holy angels arrayed around Him. They will not let you fall. “The Lord shall fight for you” (Exodus 14:14).”

So you stand. You do not give an inch, even though your bones feel like they’re breaking. Even though the weight of the temptation presses hard against your chest. Stand firm. Resist. Pray for strength to remain where you are, in this sacred fight. And from your gut, cry out—not in polished words, but in that raw, unguarded way only a soul under siege can: “Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies” (Psalm 27:12)!

Your strength may falter, your heart may tremble, but know this—Jesus Christ stands beside you, His hand on your shoulder. The battle is not yours alone. The armies of heaven rise with you, and the forces of darkness will not prevail. Stand, even when standing feels like falling. Hold the line. You are not alone.