I find myself saying the words “yes and amen” when I hear truth that excites me, and the truth in today’s declaration definitely excites me! God is able to do what I cannot do—even when it comes to standing firm in my faith.

When we said “Yes” to Jesus, God wiped away our guilt and shame. When we said “Amen” to making Jesus Lord and Savior, God gave us the Holy Spirit as a deposit. Nothing can separate us from God. His seal of ownership is on us. God draws us, redeems us, and sanctifies us. He also makes us stand firm in Christ—even when standing firm is hard.

A quick read through Paul’s letters to the Corinthians gives evidence of the sinful lifestyle prevalent in that church. If God can make the Corinthians stand firm in Christ, He will certainly do the same for you and me. Isn’t it a relief to know that God has promised to give us the strength we need to hold fast to the truth?

Philippians 2:13 says that “it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (NIV). God does the work in us. He gives us the want-to and the can-do. He makes us stand firm in Christ.

I am far too hard on myself. I am a perfectionist who wants to do everything faultlessly—which includes following Jesus faultlessly. But if I could be perfect then I wouldn’t need a savior. Every time I mess up serves as a reminder that I definitely need a savior. I can relate to Paul who said that he tends to do the very things he doesn’t want to do and doesn’t do the things he wants to do. I also relate to Peter. In John 6:67-68, after several disciples had turned away, Jesus asked the twelve, “You do not want to leave too, do you?”

I know Peter’s answer by heart. He said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

I stumble in my faith walk, but I’m with Peter on this. Where else am I going to go? He has the words of eternal life. And He sent the Holy Spirit as a deposit guaranteeing what is to come.

We are destined for heaven! Then—and only then—will we be made perfect. No matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. So I say “Amen” to the glory of God.

I’m excited to be teaching Women’s Bible study this fall, and I’ve posted the details as well as a registration form on my website. Please take a minute to check it out by visiting shawnamariebryant.com. The Bible study is based on my book, Longing to Belong, and it will teach you how to make a habit of reading the Bible not just for information, but also for conversation. We will take time each week to make declarations of truth. After all, your tongue has power. Use it for good.

This week’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:20-22