January 27, 2023

 

Who’s in Charge?

 

After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” – Nehemiah 4:14

 

In many ways it’s a fight between those who have money and power and those who are regular people. Factor in people who want to be part of the money and power group and it appears a landslide toward disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church. But God has never been One to sit on the sidelines while people try to destroy His church.

 

What’s going to happen? I really don’t know. It’s impossible to predict what God will do. He could leave people who claim to know Him to their own devices. He could allow evil to rise up and use His name to further themselves. Or He could raise His might against those who seek to control what is His.

 

Satan is doing his best to destroy what God has built. At least that is what appears to be happening. I wonder now how long Satan has been a part of this church. How long have people masqueraded as Christ followers all the while only knowing the darkness of evil in their hearts?

 

People are afraid. They follow like little puppets, assured that going against those in power will result in destruction. They’ve witnessed the business dealings, the legal proceedings, the horror of opposing a ruling class that appears unstoppable. This is the Deep South. This is still a small town. Certain families are in charge.

 

Until they’re not. If we truly believe in the Gospel, if we truly know that God judges our hearts, if we truly understand the power of the Holy Spirit, then how can we give up without a fight?

 

I’ve seen miracles happen. I’ve witnessed God showing up in the midst of the impossible. I’ve watched as those who seemed untouchable were brought low by the mighty power of Jesus.

 

I have no idea how this will end. But I do believe that in this moment God has called me to stand still and watch His mighty sword. Perhaps Whatever happens, I follow Christ. I call on Him for strength and wisdom. I pray for light to guide the way. His will be done.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Ignore Criticism; Follow God

"When the Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews."

-- Nehemiah 4:1

It isn't fun to be criticized and ridiculed. That's especially disheartening when you're trying to do the right thing and others want to stop it. Nehemiah certainly knew about opposition. The Samarians didn't want the Jews to rebuild the wall. But God did. So they rebuilt the wall.

Ever been ridiculed for your faith? There's a good chance you have. That co-worker couldn't believe you missed the game to attend bible study. A family member wants you to skip church for a day at the beach. A friend stares at you in disbelief when you refuse to gossip about another friend. Yeah. Sometimes people don't like it when you're living your faith.

Of course, you can be ridiculed for other things as well. My father once made fun of me for painting a dresser Wild Orchid. The little girl who fell in love with it thought it was awesome. I was pretty happy when her parents paid me for it too. What is right or wrong sometimes depends on your perspective.

We have to do what we know is right, no matter what other people think. When God calls us to a certain path, take that path. Don't veer to the right or to the left. Stay focused on Him. Doing right sometimes threatens people. They feel more secure when we follow their lead -- even when they're clearly heading down the wrong path.

Stand strong in the face of ridicule and opposition. Do what you know is right. Follow God. He will lead you to victory every time.