BVOV Magazine 2013 - present

In verses 13-14, he says: “Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. Stand therefore [hold your ground]” ("AMPC"). We must get to the place in our lives where, no matter what happens, we stand firmly and hold our ground. Throughout the years, I have personally observed Kenneth and Gloria Copeland in every kind of pressurized situation possible—in life and ministry. They have stood on God’s WORD in every instance. They have solidly held their ground—staying in His rest and refusing to allow pressure to enter their hearts. They have remained fixed and stable. They really are the consummate examples of Psalm 112. Their hearts are established! How Do We Stand Our Ground? Second Corinthians 1:24 has the answer: “...for by faith you stand” ("New King James Version"). Our stand comes from one place: faith in God’s WORD. The more of God’s WORD we deposit in our hearts, the more effectively we will be able to stand our ground. The stronger we are, the easier it is to believe and receive. As a pastor, I often ask congregation members what they are believing for. When they tell me, I usually follow up with this question: What scriptures are you standing on? Sometimes people don’t know. That’s a big mistake. The stand you take is founded on The WORD of God that is in your heart and on your lips. That WORD must be so real to you it becomes part of your DNA. You must live, breathe, think, walk and talk that WORD. If you were to ask me what I’m believing for this year, I would tell you this: I am standing for God’s perfect will in my life, my family and my church. There really isn’t time for anything else. Proverbs 19:21 ("AMPC"), says: “Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand.” I want God’s strategic plan. Only that plan will stand. In addition, I am also standing on Hebrews 13:20-21 ("AMPC"): “Now may the God of peace...strengthen (complete, perfect) and make you what you ought to be and equip you with everything good that you may carry out His will; [while He himself] works in you and accomplishes that which is pleasing in His sight.” I have been depositing these verses into my spirit for quite some time. The WORD I’ve been meditating and confessing is becoming such a stronghold on the inside, it is helping me to confidently stand my ground. I have read those verses over and over again. They have become so real to me, I fully believe God’s perfect will is being accomplished in my life, in my family and in my church. I am standing my ground on those scriptures. The stronger I have become in The WORD, the easier it has become to stand my ground. The Second Time Around Our church is presently constructing another building. It is our new youth and children’s facility. And, of course, we are building it debt free! Like the main sanctuary, it has taken a while. Issues have come up we didn’t expect. We are believing for all the finances. But, something is very different this time—I am handling it differently. I am armed with my “new building” scriptures, walking in God’s rest, casting all my care on Him and staying in faith. And this time, I am aggressively standing my ground! I have not lost one wink of sleep over this project! God has given me His WORD; a great plan; and a wonderful, faith-filled team and congregation. That is an unbeatable combination. My days of worry, care, stress and anxiety—especially concerning building projects—are over forever! We are making tremendous progress. We are calling our youth and children’s building, “Finished, Furnished, Full and Free!” Let me ask you this: Have you backed away from standing your ground? Has discouragement settled in over the passage of time or the lack of provision? If so, it’s time to get back up on your faith. It is time for you to stand your ground. As Kenneth E. Hagin once said, “If you’re willing to stand forever, you won’t have to stand very long.” What are you believing God for? Write it down. What scriptures are you standing on? Write those down as well. Confess them. Meditate on them. Become rooted, grounded, anchored and established in God’s WORD. The more rooted you are, the stronger you will stand. Now, say this out loud: “I make the quality decision to stand my ground. I am strong in The LORD. I stand firm on God’s WORD. I refuse to back down, give up or quit. I cannot be shaken and I will not be moved. I stand my ground in Jesus’ Name!” V George Pearsons is CEO of Kenneth Copeland Ministries and senior pastor of Eagle Mountain International Church, located on the grounds of KCM. For more information or ministry materials go to emic.org. 10 : BVOV

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