Pastors often face the challenge of needing a new sanctuary when their facility becomes too small. Our congregation experienced this firsthand—we simply ran out of space. The decision was clear: it was time to build! However, I had no idea what kind of learning experience lay ahead. I did not realize just how much I would have to learn about standing my ground in faith.
I discovered that standing is not always easy—especially when building a debt-free church. The “easy road” would have been to borrow money. “Get a loan and get it done,” they say. But as you know, Kenneth Copeland Ministries does not borrow. Everything at KCM is debt-free—including our sanctuary. Praise God!
Construction began with a bang. We celebrated. We broke ground. Offerings were received. However, as time passed, the cost of construction increased. The process became complicated. The pressure mounted.
At one point during construction, I had to get away. My family and I were on vacation when the phone rang. Someone from our construction team was calling.
“Pastor George, the price just went up $1 million.”
“It did what?”
The next day, they called again. “It’s gone up another million.”
“Did I hear you correctly?”
On the third day: “Another million.”
I said, “I’m coming home.”
I had to cut our vacation short to return and prevent costs from escalating further. That was when I discovered something important. The finances were not the real problem. The real issue was that I got under pressure. I let down on my faith and began to waver. That opened the door for the devil to step in and bring confusion.
My faith was up and down throughout the project. There were too many sleepless nights and stress-filled days. We eventually finished the building, but not without a fight. After deep reflection, I realized what I should have done: I should have cast the care, entered God’s rest, and stayed in faith. I should have stood my ground!
Stand Firm in Faith
Stand Strong on God’s Word
Ephesians 6:10-11 (AMP) says: “Be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.”
We can stand against the devil. It is possible. We can stand against fear, lack, and sickness. We can even stand against an overwhelming building project—and succeed!
Ephesians 6:13-14 (AMP) continues: “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].”
We must reach the place where, no matter what happens, we stand firmly and hold our ground. I have personally observed Kenneth and Gloria Copeland in all kinds of pressurized situations—in life and in ministry. They have stood on God’s Word every time, remaining steadfast, refusing to allow pressure into their hearts. They have remained fixed and stable. They are the consummate example of Psalm 112. Their hearts are established!
How to Stand on God’s Promises
Build Your Faith Through Scripture
Second Corinthians 1:24 (NKJV) has the answer: “…for by faith you stand.” 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 can 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 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 that it becomes part of your DNA. You must live, breathe, think, walk, and talk that Word.
Proverbs 19:21 (AMP) 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 His plan will stand.
Hebrews 13:20-21 (AMP) says: “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.”
Trusting God’s Timing
Learning From Experience
Our church is currently constructing another building—a new youth and children’s facility. And, of course, we are building it debt-free! Like the main sanctuary, this project has taken time. Unexpected issues have come up.
We are believing for all the finances. But something is 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. 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!
Renew Your Faith and Step Into Victory
Have you backed away from standing your ground? Has discouragement settled in over time or due to a lack of provision?
If so, it’s time to get back up in faith. It is time 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!”
Stand firm. Victory is already yours in Christ Jesus!
What Are You Standing for Today?
What are YOU believing God for? Drop a comment with a Bible verse that you’re standing on today! If this message encouraged you, share it with a friend who needs to hear it. Let’s stand strong in faith together!
As always, if you need a partner to agree with you in prayer, please call our prayer ministers at 0860103356 or submit a prayer request. Any day of the year, we’re here for you!
