Standing firm in the face of adversity is an opportunity that we all get to endure. I think the willingness to stand is not something that we learn to do but rather that we are inspired to do. When we stand, we give the Lord something to work with. We give him someone to anoint for a purpose, someone to use for his cause. The willingness to stand arises from having seen others do so or having been inspired through his word. Standing firm in the face of adversity is also a matter of character. Pastors, people, and churches often find themselves with the choice of standing firm or fleeing. Those who stand are guaranteed a fight. Those who flee are guaranteed a failure. Since this is the case, standing, looking for God's victory, seems to be the proper course.