Lately, I’ve heard from many dear Christians (personally or on social media) who are feeling a sense of confusion, fear, discouragement, and overall lack of control.
With all that’s happening in our country, I’ve taken a turn or two on the emotional roller coaster ride myself. The truth is, there is much we cannot control which makes it tempting to disengage and give up.
Believer, I charge you, do NOT give up.
This is exactly what the enemy wants! Satan loves to confuse, cause division, and strike fear. God’s word warns us of his tactics and strategies.
“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11 (emphasis mine)
“…so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.” 2 Corinthians 2:11
Despite what’s going on that is in direct opposition to our biblical values, our mission remains the same.
We are here to bring honor and glory to Christ Jesus by telling others about His grace and love.
Believers, I charge you, do NOT give up! Despite what’s going on that is in direct opposition to our biblical values, our mission remains the same: We are here to bring glory to Jesus by telling others about His grace and love. Share on XAlthough there is much we cannot control, we are most definitely in control of sharing our testimony.
When we share what Jesus has done for us, we shut down the plans of Satan.
“And they have defeated him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony.” Revelation 12:11
When we share what Jesus has done for us, we shut down the plans of Satan. “And they have defeated him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony.” Revelation 12:11 Share on XUnity is of utmost importance to God which is why the enemy seeks to divide us (read John 17). Let’s stop focusing on our differences of opinion and politics, and start focusing on basic core biblical values. The world is desperate for truth, hope, and love. As Christians, we have all of that to offer through Jesus Christ. But first, we must unite and re-engage.
Four Steps to Unite and Re-engage
1. Hope in God
Hope is not wishful thinking. Hope isn’t a sweet sentiment like blowing out the candles on your birthday cake.
Hope is an enduring virtue from God.
“Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13
The biblical definition of hope is “confident expectation.” Hope is assurance regarding things that are unclear and unknown.
Hope is powerful!
So, how do we tap into hope when so much around is seems hope-less? Here are five things that help reignite hope:
- Prayer
- Read the Bible
- Worship
- Share our testimony
- Fellowship with other believers
Prayer, Scripture, worship, fellowship, and sharing our testimony change our perspective and remind us WHO is in control.
2. Stand for Truth
Believers have been complacent and silent long enough. We must stop worrying about getting shunned, ridiculed, losing our jobs, friendships, or canceled/shut down by social media.
Believers must not bow to culture.
Believers must not bow to culture. We have been complacent and silent long enough. We must stop worrying about getting shunned, ridiculed, losing our jobs, friendships, or canceled/shut down by social media. Share on XWhat do I mean by this? Here is just one example. All human life is precious to God. God created every single human being with love and purpose (Psalm 139). Abortions are in direct opposition to the Word of God. We must stand for life in ways the Lord directs.
Here are a few practical ways we can stand up and against abortion:
- Contact your representative. Google your state’s congressmen.
- Volunteer or Give financially to a pregnancy resource center.
- Speak out.
3. Raise Your Family to Know God
Parents and grandparents have a responsibility to teach our children what true faith in God looks like. Our hope is in God and the next generation of steadfast believers who will not bow down to culture but stand up for God’s ways. We must be diligent to make the most of every opportunity in daily life to teach about and to be examples of Christ.
“These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the Lord your God as long as you live. If you obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life…” “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:1-2; 4-9
- Pray together.
- Read family devotions regularly.
- Ask your children to pray.
- Write down answered prayers and share them.
- Help the needy and serve at church together.
- Use normal activities to weave in a biblical message.
- Love your spouse (if you are married).
4. Serve Others
The past year has been hard on most of us. Many are facing a loss on some level. One of the surest ways we can be the “hands and feet” of Christ is to serve.
The Lord’s kindness is what brings people to repentance. We must be agents of His kindness.
“Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” Romans 2:4
Here are a few practical ways to serve others.
- Make a meal.
- Write an encouraging note or call.
- Donate to a shelter.
- Listen.
My friends, God is always working. If He can speak through a donkey, He can work through anyone (including politicians you didn’t vote for!) and in any way He chooses. I pray you are encouraged to get on your armor and continue fighting the good fight!
Much love,
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
P.S. I will resume the Gift of the Spirit series next time! 🙂
You bring out some great points Beckie. We must stand and not cower but strive to bring glory to God. I pray that God will intervene regarding abortion but we have a part we can play in saying our concerns. I love also that you suggest we extend acts of kindness as this is the best way to witness for Him. Each of us doing our part can really make a difference. May God guide and enable our steps.
Valerie, It’s the Lord’s kindness that led us to repentance and that’s what we must share with the world.
Blessings to you, sweet sister!
Amen sweet friend. Some have chosen to abandon “anti-social” media, for “greener pastures”; thinking somehow they’ll escape that stench of this corrupt world. Others have, as you so aptly put it, “given up” by thinking that since the Great Tribulation, Christ’s return, etc. are foregone conclusions, then they’ve thrown up their hands in surrender. Neither of these options are what we are called to do by His great commission. Instead, we must #StandUpForChrist and shine His light into the darkness of this world through our lives. It’s time to “trim our wicks”, “fill our oil”, and #ArmorUp. 🙂 We’ll surely get some of the muck of this world on our feet as we dredge our way through it, but good old fashioned Christian fellowship will help us wash each other’s feet. 🙂 God’s blessings gentle friend.
J.D., I couldn’t agree more. Thanks for sharing those powerful words.
God’s blessings on you and yours, too!
Your message here, Beckie, is so convicting and encouraging to all of us. As you know, my word of the year is Hope, and I have yet to give up on that and will not retreat under any circumstance. More than ever, the world needs to know of Jesus’ love and forgiveness which is readily available when we turn to Him in repentance. Honestly, I don’t want to pray for the illegitimate leaders of this country, but I’m convicted to pray for God to open their eyes and hearts to the promise of His salvation. Power belongs to God alone, not to human beings whose lives are like chaff in the wind.
Blessings, my friend!
Martha, You are so right—now more than ever, the world needs to know of Jesus’ love and forgiveness! It is our calling to share this message with the power and love of God’s holy Spirit as our guide.
Beckie, to say this stepped on a few toes, and my toes, is an understatement. And this is so powerfully said and beautifully done. When we know Jesus, we never give up or give in! Period!
I love everything about this, not bowing to culture, standing for truth, raising our family to know God and serving others!
Karen, My hope and prayer is to encourage believers to not back down when it comes to upholding God’s values. It’s not too late for believers to stand up for the truth while sharing God’s love.
Spot on sister! We need to stay engaged and fight the good fight until we win and stop only fighting until we lose and then back off in defeat. We need to take faith, hope and love into the world. Thank you Beckie for this awesome reminder and encouragement.
Wendy, I’m standing with you!