I'm Still Standing

11-15-25

This morning was an early morning, sprawled out but still under the warm covers, with Elton John’s song “I’m Still Standing” running through my head. Not the whole song, I’d never learned all the words, but the chorus and the part about being a true survivor and feeling like a little kid runs through my mind and I’m thanking God that He’s gotten me to this point – and is continuing to lead me, as I contemplate how to start today.

“Standing” leads to the passage in Ephesians chapter 6… “Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore,…” It's always seemed a little redundant to have the word "stand" written 3 times in less than two sentences. It draws attention to itself... perhaps for emphasis. As all the parts of the armor of God are listed, encouraging us in truth, righteousness, the preparation of the Gospel of Peace, “the shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God, praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful…” These things are all actions we are instructed to take. But what if we need to "stand" first, in order to be able to "do" the rest? Rest in "being". Standing, before intentionally moving forward in God's strength and direction to "do"...

I have to admit that this past week, I have been a lot of things, but distracted by illness, I have not been watchful, or careful with this abundance of forced “rest”. Not able to do much of what was on my schedule this week, I spent way too much time on my phone, as I broke up light housekeeping chores with making bone broth, doing laundry and going through mail and paperwork, at what felt like a snails pace. No, it didn’t take a lot of energy (except that one day I felt better and cleaned out the fridge and went grocery shopping, ran errands and ...then relapsed into fatigue the next day)! But it wasn’t my best option. And my husband was only a day behind me, so he wasn’t doing his stuff either.

“I’m still standing” – “Stand therefore”… it’s a battle for me to rest. There’s so much to do! Why do we feel so resistant to rest? Rest feels lazy when we've been running around trying to accomplish, to perform, to provide for ourselves. But we know that's a lie rooted in desperate self-sufficiency instead of trust. God calls us higher in faith and trust to let Him provide. "Stand therefore".

The Israelites were also told to stand. “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” (Exodus 14:13-14). After trying to push through all this sickness, with antibiotics, natural remedies that are all supposed to boost my immune support and limiting my time outside (in the 40’s all week!), I’m contemplating the option of fasting again. Autophage...street sweepers in the body, cleaning up dead cells, viruses, another strategy to try… How about...prayer.

Stand. And Rest. I think another nap is in order, I want to get well. I have so much to do. I have people to be with! To encourage. But FIRST, Rest. Regroup. Recharge. God thank You for fighting my battles – even the battles within me!