I was new to the Christian faith when my husband and I joined First Baptist Atlanta in 2000. I had just moved to America the year before, and those first years away from family and friends were extremely difficult. Although I had broken the language barrier long before moving to the U.S., I found myself fighting feelings of loneliness and inadequacy, while immersing in a new culture, far from all familiar faces and surroundings. Charles Stanley’s practical Bible teachings every Sunday helped me find peace, joy and a renewed sense of purpose in that new chapter in my life.

In October 2016, Charles Stanley released his much-anticipated autobiography “Courageous Faith.” I was one of the first in line on the day of his book signing at FBA. That very afternoon, I started reading about the life of the man whose ministry impacted my faith walk forever.

Charles Stanley’s autobiography is undoubtedly the most selfless memoir I’ve ever read. From beginning to end, as he recounts each story, each trial and victory, he points the reader to the Author and Sustainer of his faith – Jesus Christ. One cannot turn the last page of the book without realizing that, in his darkest hours, when enemies came against him and fear would threaten to steal his peace, Charles Stanley’s response was always the same: He fought each battle on his knees, surrendering each trial to God, and trusting His Maker with the outcome.

Whether you share his beliefs or not, one cannot read his life story without at least becoming puzzled by this man’s faith – where many would question God or give up, Charles Stanley pressed on. The result is evident and unquestionable: His courageous faith weaved a thread of victory through the hardest circumstances, as his ministry kept growing, stronger than ever before.

As I read his book and later watched his son, Andy, recount how his father’s unwavering faith shaped his own, I found myself challenged, inspired and grateful to realize that my pastor has truly lived up to the principles by which he proclaims. Even when obeying did not make any sense. Even when it cost him much.

Andy Stanley writes, in the foreword of his father’s auto-biography: “Dad never ran from trouble or the trials of life, and that made an incredible impact on my sister and me. In my personal life and ministry, my takeway from having Dr. Charles Stanley as my father was that everyone can trust God with every outcome (…)”

During the interview, when his son asked him about retirement, Charles Stanley’s easy laughter filled the room. Anyone sitting on the pews of FBA knows better: He doesn’t believe in it. “Retirement is not anywhere in the Bible,” he says. He believes there will always be work to do for the Kingdom, and he intends to continue doing his part until God tells him otherwise, or “calls him home.”

“Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.” That is one of Charles Stanley’s most repeated “Life Principles.” That is his life song. It has also become mine. So today, I cheer this man of God on, together with millions of people throughout the globe who listen to his voice on more than 2,600 radio and television outlets, translated to over 50 languages: Keep on preaching, pastor. We are listening. Thank you for a life of courageous, unwavering faith and obedience. Thank you for teaching us that God rewards those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. Thank you for opening the Word of God each Sunday, unapologetically proclaiming Its truths.

An international chorus of believers sings to you today: Happy 85th birthday, Charles Stanley! May God continue to bless and guide you, dear pastor.

Join the celebration at First Baptist Atlanta on Sept. 24 during both service hours: 9 and 10:45a.m. You can watch the interview on every market where InTouch is broadcast starting Sept. 23.

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal Constitution on Saturday – September 15, 2017.

The post Dr. Charles F. Stanley – A Life of Unwavering Faith {Atlanta Journal Constitution} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

“Fight your battles on your knees.”

I have been privileged to sit under Dr. Charles Stanley’s teaching at First Baptist Atlanta for the past 16 years. This quote is one of “30 Life Principles” that he wrote, all based on Scriptures and his life experiences as a Christian for over 70 years.

I was reminded of that principle this morning during my morning walk. Both my children have recently had some bad experiences with friends who have proven to be unfaithful.

As my teenage daughter shared some of her struggles with me, I thought about my own battles as a teenager. I remember feeling left out, less than, as some girls who I thought were my friends isolated me or betrayed my trust. I remembered the hurt, pain, and how much it affected my self-esteem.

As I started thinking about how I could help, how I should put on the Super Mom cape and do something to rescue and vindicate my child, I heard this tested and proven “Life Principle” ringing in my heart. While thinking about what I should do, God reminded me of the many battles he has fought for me when I did not lean on my own understanding, and, instead of taking matters into my own feeble hands, simply prayed.

I just finished studying the book of Joshua again. Although I have read Joshua’s last words to the Israelites several times before, they echoed in my heart in a fresh way this morning. Just before Joshua breathed his last, he assembled the people to remind them of the faithfulness and power of their God.

He reminded them that it wasn’t their weapons that won battles against much stronger people as they entered the Promise Land. It certainly wasn’t Israel who defeated Egypt, the greatest army of their time. It wasn’t by their own hard labor that manna fell from the heavens every morning for 40 years. It was because, even though they turned from God and rebelled time and again, he was always faithful to forgive, protect, provide and defend them, every time their leaders prayed.

As I reflected on what made Israel a great nation, and the many times God came to her rescue, I couldn’t help but smile. Because I have seen the same sovereign hand in my life, time and again. As a teenager, when I felt betrayed and lonely, it seems as if God would always send me a better friend. When I moved 6,000 miles away from home, leaving behind my country, my entire family and friends, I prayed and watched God’s faithful hands planting new, wonderful people in my life.

As I reflected on these and other times, when I watched God act on my behalf, even when all hope and material resources were gone, I realized that one thing indeed stood above all else: I have always fought the fiercest, yet most successful battles on my knees, in submission and humble prayer.

And so I decided to pack my Super Mom cape, and chose instead to spend the rest of my morning walk praying for my children. As I came back home, my heart was full of confidence on the lesson I would convey to them. Instead of coaching them on what to do or how to respond to their enemies, I chose to spend some time reminding them of our pastor’s tested and proven principle: Before you do anything, say anything, or choose any weapon and tactics to battle against those who wrong you, remember — fight your battles on your knees. For God will always be our defender and mighty warrior, so long as we choose to obey his word, and trust his mighty hand.

Before chosing a weapon to battle against your enemies, remember: you fight best on your knees. http://bit.ly/2abOUkK
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Patricia Holbrook is a Christian author, blogger and International speaker. Her Book Twelve Inches is on sale at Barnes & Nobles, Amazon and retailers worldwide. Visit her website www.soaringwithHim.com. Email pholbrook@soaringwithHim.com

The post Allow God to Handle Your Battles {Column for the Atlanta Journal Constitution} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.