Built to Stand

August 9, 2026

Dr. Paul Cannings

“So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” Romans 8:12–14 (NASB)

Every generation faces pressure, but today’s children, youth, and young adults encounter an overwhelming number of competing voices. They feel the pressure to fit in by wearing the right clothes, choosing the right friends, succeeding academically, making career decisions, navigating relationships, resisting sexual temptation, and standing for Christ without being ridiculed. Many even wonder if serving God means they will somehow miss out on the excitement life has to offer.

It is easy for us to criticize their struggles, yet many of us did not always respond wisely to the pressures we faced when we were their age. Rather than criticizing them, we must help prepare them.

A submarine provides a powerful illustration of this truth. As it descends beneath the ocean’s surface, the pressure outside the vessel increases dramatically. To prevent the submarine from collapsing, the pressure inside is carefully regulated to correspond with the pressure outside. Because the pressure is balanced, the submarine remains intact, its crew is protected, and it successfully accomplishes its mission before surfacing again to serve another day.

God works in much the same way in the lives of His children. He does not promise to remove every pressure we encounter, but He promises to strengthen us from within. Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, He develops the inner person so that we can withstand the external pressures of life.

Paul reminds us that God is continually at work in us (Philippians 2:12–13), strengthening us through His Spirit in our inner being (Ephesians 3:16–19). As we yield to the Holy Spirit, we begin to reflect the character of Christ (2 Peter 1:3–11). We discover that “it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). The greater Christ’s work within us, the greater our ability to withstand the pressures around us.

This is why one of the greatest responsibilities of parents, grandparents, and the church is not merely protecting young people from pressure but preparing them to endure it through spiritual maturity.

Scripture gives us a clear pattern. We should respond quickly when children express a desire for God (Matthew 18:1–6). We must model authentic Christian living before them (1 Timothy 4:12, 15–16). We must faithfully teach them God’s Word while they are young (Deuteronomy 6:4–9; 2 Timothy 1:5), helping them develop a love for the wisdom that protects them (Proverbs 4:6) and leads them into God’s blessings (Proverbs 3:13–18).

The Scriptures remind us: “In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, and his children will have

refuge.” Proverbs 14:26 (NASB)

Children often develop an appetite for God by observing that same appetite in those who raise and mentor them. Genuine faith is contagious. Timothy became a courageous servant of Christ because his mother and grandmother faithfully taught him the Scriptures and demonstrated sincere faith (2 Timothy 3:14–17). Before Timothy ever faced the pressures of ministry, God had already strengthened him through His Word and through godly examples.

Our mission is the same today. We must cultivate in the next generation a hunger for Christ and His Word. When God’s truth fills the heart, His Spirit strengthens the soul. Then, regardless of the pressures they encounter, they will stand firm, accomplish God’s purpose, and bring Him glory.

The greatest gift we can give the next generation is not a life free from pressure, but a heart strengthened by God’s Spirit to overcome it.