Like me, you may have felt the intense resistance in the spiritual atmosphere over the last several weeks. It’s because we’ve been in a spiritual battle. If we look in the natural, we can get discouraged, but remember, even as evil increases, God is always in control. It’s times like these, He calls us to step more securely into the position of power He created us for. We’re not destined for defeat, but to rise up as a great and powerful church (Matthew 16:18).
Let’s be honest though, it can be tough for us American Christians. We like our comfy lives and have gotten used to things coming easy, but the most important things in life usually don’t come easy. The freedoms in our country did not come without a fight. Neither did the deliverance of God’s people in the Bible. God’s people have always faced adversity, when they’ve stood for righteousness. But be encouraged, we’ve never fought alone. The God of all creation is with us and righteousness will prevail.
Now is NOT the time to quit or hide. Frankly, I’m in awe at the things I’ve heard coming out of the mouths of many “Christians” lately. I heard one woman with a large platform saying it’s time to lay our armor down and give up the fight. Wait, what??!!!! Where in the Bible does it say to do that? The Bible I read clearly commands us to take up the whole armor of God so that we could withstand in the evil day and when we have done everything…STAND. I don’t see any mention of quitting and backing down do you?? God’s Word is clear; every verse equipping us for what we were created for – to fight the good fight of faith.
“I don’t like conflict” many say? Well, the moment we accepted Christ, we were birthed into conflict – the clash between light and darkness. We’re in it right now and honestly, there’s no hiding from it – that too is a deception of the enemy. There’s no place we can run or hide from this battle. Yet there is a safe place; a place of protection. It’s found in the will of God. And God’s will and mandate has always been the same – for the church to shine bright and push out the darkness (Matthew 5:13-16).
I’ve also been hearing many Christians talking about removing themselves from areas of influence such as social media or even moving out of the country because they don’t like what’s being said and done. Really??? Come on church! How many more places of influence are we going to just turn over to satan? That’s giving him exactly what he wants. We must remember our purpose – We weren’t created to live a nice comfy life or become enmeshed in the world. We’re citizens of Heaven after all, ambassadors of Christ called to bring forth the Kingdom of Heaven. Now is not the time to turn tail and run.
Sadly, though, the body of Christ as a whole has strayed from its purpose through the years. Just have a conversation with some of the young of this generation and you’ll find that most are unfazed by abortion or any other grievous sins our country has embraced, because it’s become their norm. They have grown up in an America that has compromised the values it was founded on. Unfortunately, it’s not just the young, but many that have become indifferent to the evil around them, even people claiming title “Christian.” God help us. Church when did comfort, personal opinions and the need to be entertained in life, become more important than loving God and living according to His Word?
No, the church hasn’t done its job, giving over it’s influence in every area of our culture. Look around… where’s our influence? I’m not going to go on and on about how church has failed, even though it’s true. I’m actually sick of hearing it said and nothing being done about it. It’s easy to sit back and criticize while doing nothing. Let’s DO SOMETHING. If you already are – I commend you. I’m honored to know many people that are fighting the good fight, living their lives for Jesus and shining bright. I respect them tremendously and am so encouraged by them. But Let’s DO MORE. Let’s BURN BRIGHTER. Let’s get so on fire, others catch on fire. Let’s burn so bright that the scales of deception are seared off the eyes of the deceived and the darkness flees in our presence. (2 Corinthians 4:3-5).
I totally understand discouragement, so if that’s where you’ve been I get it, but don’t stay there. Last week I wept for 3 days straight over the injustice in our world. We ALL feel it at times, especially when we look at the brokenness around us – But we can not allow this to cause us to hide – to stop looking; to stop feeling… LOOK AT IT AND FEEL IT – and then turn your eyes to LOOK INTENTLY AT GOD AND HIS WORD – knowing that you and I have the power and authority to do something about it! When we grieve for what God grieves over, it must compel us to action, not indifference.
“What can I do? I’m just one person” Every person that gives into a helpless attitude, gives more ground to the enemy. You’re not just one person – you’re a force to be reckoned with because you have The Most Powerful Force of all existence living within you (1 John 4:4). I believe there’s Heavenly intercession going on for us right now. It’s the voice of Heaven saying “RISE UP! RISE UP!” Every born again believer that listens with spiritual ears will hear it and recognize we’re in a pivotal time on earth. We must not give into discouragement, fear or indifference. I’d like to say it’s going to be easy, but the Bible doesn’t promise easy. We are, however, promised victory if we don’t give up. Yes, our final destination in Heaven is secured, but we have a mission right now to use the power and authority we’ve been given to bring God’s Kingdom on earth and rescue as many people as possible from the clutches of hell. Don’t believe the lies. You make a difference. Your prayers are powerful. The truth you speak is powerful. Your daily example of righteous living is powerful.
Get Louder!
Burn Brighter!
Our King is always on the throne!
