I get a little tense when I hear about some of the debates going on in our world and how it relates to Christians. The marriage issues, abortion and other issues that seem to be ‘against' what Christ Followers believe. On one hand, I don't like being pressured or seeing one person being a ‘spokesperson' for us on the news. We often get portrayed as haters instead of lovers. We need to defend our faith, but we also need to be more loving (1 Corinthians 1:1-3).
On the other hand, I think it can be a good thing to make it a little harder on us. What? Wait a minute PB, why would you want things to be harder? I know that sounds crazy, but sometimes, I think we take our freedoms for granted. The church overseas is booming, especially under oppression.
I came across a Scripture this week that reminded me that this isn't the 1st culture to deal with “what to do with God's people”. Look at Exodus 1. A new leader comes into power in Egypt, not knowing about Joseph and the Israelites. He doesn't know what to do with God's People. His big response is fear. He is afraid that they will take over or leave the country. The Egyptians needed the Israelites. The United States needs Christians. So what does the leader do? He oppresses God's People and makes it really tough on them. He takes away their freedom. But the people remain strong, keeping their faith/traditions. And after 80+ years, God frees them from captivity. If you look closely at Exodus 1:12 – the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread.
Let me share 2 examples and 1 encouraging Scripture:
-         Ruth – look at the dedication of Ruth. She could have left Naomi (her mother in law), but she stayed true to the commitment to the family. She was blessed later with children and a great lineage (King David…Jesus!). Stay true to your commitment to God. Don't give up.
-         Joshua – how would you like to follow after Moses? Not an easy task. In Joshua 1, the Lord comes to Joshua and gives him the plan for entering the Promised Land. How does Joshua respond? His response is begins in verse 10. He gets right to work and gives the leaders a pep talk and shares the plan. He responds with courage. Have courage when the challenges come your way.
-         2 Corinthians 4:8-9 – Paul shares that tough times will come, however, those things won't win. God will win. Even though we are pressed, we are not crushed; even though we are persecuted, we are not abandoned!
Pray for courage and that we would remain strong in our faith, no matter what the world throws at us.
Pastor Brent
