A More Permanent Stay

I walked in the room, set down my travel luggage, and immediately proceeded to our assigned balcony for the week. As soon as I rolled open the sliding glass door, a warm San Diego breeze began tempting me to make a more permanent stay. Though this trip was not deemed a vacation, it felt like one to me. The atmosphere was new, the weather was better and the people, somewhat different. My itinerary promised stories of faithful men and women who stood in the gap between God and government throughout history, and I could not imagine a more fun week of learning and pleasure. Even though it was my husband’s conference, I planned to absorb all that I could from his peers. As I stood there enjoying what Georgia could not offer me, I never imagined how much of a blessing our time here would be.

Ever since I stepped into my calling as a testimonial speaker and writer for Christ’s sake, I have been challenged with the declining rules and standards of a seemingly Godless nation. In essence, government sanctioned events want a dumbed down version of a nameless god that can save them instead of having someone boldly declare the truth that will set them free. As Paul tasks us as believers in 1st Corinthians to be “all things to all people,” I have since struggled with the boundaries between respect and loyalty.

I am aware of the red letters spoken by Jesus. “Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” Quite frankly, this passage scares me to death. In each of our daily lives, we are in a constant battle for the freedom to express our faith. Though it is our constitutional right to do so, it is continually expressed that we not offend our neighbor. I, as one who is working with many to accomplish authentic change and sober minded living, am forced into constant prayer over this matter. How much is too much, and how much is not enough?

After listening to stories about Martin Luther and his wife Katie’s boldness during their break away from the Roman Catholic Church, I began to gain more confidence with how to approach my own personal sharing in government settings. Between every lecture throughout the week, we heard from a new Chaplain. In listening to every opportunity given for these men to testify, the more my hope increased. Each face tough challenges; each have been provided with divine appointments.

Before the weeks’ end, I too found a Fearless approach. Without naivety towards an evolving culture, I will trust that if I am obedient to share the gospel as called, that the good news heard will redeem those who obey it.  Standing in the gap will always present difficulty. Though I am an imperfect being delivering a perfect message, the source who strengthens me is without limitations.

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

1 Timothy 6:12