Ok, I think we all just need to take a deep breath. Let’s just sit down, grab a cup of coffee or a favorite beverage, and let’s just breathe. Take a deep breath in, one, two, three. Now out, one, two, three. Let us do that a few more times.
Now, can we talk? What is going on in this world? There is so much hate and division, and my heart is just breaking for us all.
We are, I believe, the best country in the world. We have so many freedoms. Abraham Lincoln himself envisioned a sad future for our nation when he said this.
We are mad at people who do not think how we think. We are mad at people who do not believe what we believe. We are mad at people who did not vote the way we did. We are mad at people who say we need to honor everyone, but in the next sentence will proceed to dishonor everyone who doesn’t agree with them.
Are we surprised? The Bible tells us it is coming. 2 Timothy 3 tells us that in the end times people will be lovers of themselves, proud, ungrateful, slanderous, unholy, etc.
Christ tells us that we will be persecuted for the sake of the gospel. John 15:20 says people will treat Christians badly, because they do not know Christ.
Romans 1 talks about how people will trade the truth of God for a lie. They will serve the created rather than the Creator of it all.
Despite what is happening all around us, I want to encourage you today. Be strong and courageous! Joshua 1:9 (ESV) says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
As Christians we are called to be the light in this world. We are called to preach the gospel even when everyone else around us denies its power! We are called to live out the gospel even when everyone else around us disagrees with our lifestyle regarding it. We are called to something bigger, because God is bigger than all of this.
If you are more angry than sad when you see what is going on, may I remind you how Christ Himself died for you when you were yet a sinner (Romans 5:8). He loved you when you yourself were a wretch. There are bigger issues than Common Core and our government. There are people dying every day who do not know Christ, and it is eternal.
I love when the disciple, Paul, is in Corinth, and the Lord speaks to him in Acts 18:9-10 (ESV). He says, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.”
If there is a verse which I have wrestled with God over like Jacob wrestled with God, it is this verse. It is not for me to judge who will or will not come to know Him. What I do know is I am called to be strong, courageous and to keep speaking the truth in love. I am called to not be ashamed of the gospel. Keep preaching the gospel even if everyone around you is not. Christ could have many people in your very circle which are His future people. How exciting is that?
Amen! Well written. And a reflection of my heart as well. We just began a study of Joshua and to see the Be Strong and Courageous headline caught my attention immediately. And isn't that command so needed for us today? God's Word is still relevant and active and much needed in the still sinful world. May we, His children, be strong and courageous and continue to share the gospel with those near and far from us.