Miles Stanford once wrote: “Let the facts of your position overwhelm the feelings of your condition.” This may sound a bit abstract, but it is a deeply practical and liberating truth.
What did Stanford mean by this? He was drawing a distinction between two realities: the facts of our position and the feelings of our condition. The former refers to our unchanging spiritual status in Christ—our positional truth. The latter refers to our experiences in life—our conditional reality, which can vary from day to day.
Stanford’s encouragement was simple yet profound: anchor your mindset and assurance in the objective truths of Scripture, not in the ever-changing tides of circumstance.
This perspective is deeply rooted in the teachings of Paul. For example:
- We are justified freely by His grace (Rom. 3:24).
- We have been crucified, buried, raised, and seated with Christ (Rom. 6:3–11; Eph. 2:4–6).
- We are complete in Christ (Col. 2:10).
- We are accepted in the Beloved (Eph. 1:6).
These facts are true regardless of how we feel on any given day.
Our condition—emotional state, mental struggles, physical hardships, or even our failures—may not always reflect these truths. That’s why Stanford’s message is so vital: don’t judge your spiritual identity by your current feelings or performance. Instead, reaffirm what is eternally true because of your position in Christ.
This message challenges a common error in Christian living. Many believers tie their assurance and joy to how well they’re doing or how much fruit they’re producing. Stanford offers a different alternative where growth flows from resting in our position in Christ rather than striving to earn or maintain it.
So how do we apply this?
- In times of failure, remind yourself: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1).
- When you feel unworthy, remember: You are accepted in the Beloved (Eph. 1:6).
- When discouraged, rest in this truth: Your life is hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).
So, in the midst of weakness, failure, or emotional turmoil, anchor your heart in the unchanging truth of God’s Word. You are not what you feel—you are who God declares you to be in Christ. Let the unshakable facts of your position in Him rise above the instability of your condition. For in Christ, your identity is settled, your acceptance is secure, and your victory is already won.
Blessings,
Bob
* * *
Where Are You Looking?
If you want to be distressed, look within.
If you want to be defeated, look back.
If you want to be dismayed, look ahead.
If you want to be discouraged, look around.
If you want to be delivered, look to Christ.
If you want to be delighted, look up!
