courage

Just Say No

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

These three young men said no. No. They wouldn’t bow to the image the king had made. They wouldn’t bow to a god that was manmade. They would risk their lives and their livelihoods in order to remain faithful to the One True God. And so they didn’t bend their knee just to puff up the king’s ego. Oh. It’s most likely that they knew in advance what they would be asked to do so. How could they not know the king was having a huge image built outside the city limits? I’m sure it was the talk of the town. I can imagine people passing each other on the street and checking to see what progress had been made. I’m sure it was a curiosity of sorts. And what exactly was it for?

Then suddenly anyone who was anyone was asked to bow to this monstrosity. As the king and his top officials sat and watched, the crowd was instructed to bow when they heard the orchestra begin to play. I’m sure it was a large crowd. After all, anyone with a title and leadership role from far and wide had been invited to this celebration. And they were expected to attend. To refuse would have been a career breaker. To say the least. So all invitees were in attendance on that day.

But back to these three young men. Most likely, they were still teenagers. They had been taken captive by the Babylonians when King Nebuchadnezzar had seized the city of Jerusalem. They and many other young men of nobility had been whisked away to a foreign land to live as exiles. They had no choice but to go. And then they were sent to a re-education school where they learned exactly what their new employer, the king, wanted them to know. His plan was to erase their allegiance to God and insert allegiance to his many gods. His plan was a failure, at least when it came to these three guys. But they had become acquainted with the king, so he knew who they were. They weren’t total strangers to the king, much as all the other attendees in the crowd were. The king could identify these three young men, because they were close friends of one of his top officials named Daniel.

As they heard the news that a celebration was being planned for the new image being built, these three men set in their hearts to stand true to the God of their people, the Israelites. They would not bow to this new idol, regardless of the cost. And so, when the music played announcing it was time to bow, they stood tall. They refused to bow. They refused to obey the king’s orders. And, of course, their act of disobedience was noticed. When everyone is bowing, it’s easy to see who isn’t. So they didn’t go unnoticed on that day, and their act of alleged treason was reported to the king.

At first, the king gave them a second chance. There must have been enormous pressure on these young men to just bow. Just do it. As they say. Perhaps they didn’t understand the instructions to bow. Or perhaps, they were sidetracked by gawking at all the other attendees. But no. They knew exactly what they were doing when they didn’t bow. And they even said so in no uncertain terms to the king. They would not bow to this idol. Of course, the king changed his mood from kindness to anger very quickly. He lashed out at them and demanded that they be thrown into a fiery furnace. He wanted to see them die.

You can read the full story of these brave young men in Daniel 3.

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. 1 John 2:15-17

I wonder. What would I have done? If I was told ahead of time that my employer was planning to require all employees to bow to an idol they had made, what would I do? Perhaps I could call in sick for the day. But I’m sure that would be noticed. Could I half bow? Would that appease them? Or. I could make the tough decision to stand firm in my faith and not let fear of the unknown weaken my stance. If I knew ahead of time that this idol worship was to be required of me, I could prepare my defense. I could begin praying and asking my friends to pray with me and for me. I could surround myself with prayer warriors who would stand in the gap if my faith began to waver.

People today are being called on to go against their faith. Some are asked to add pronouns to their work email signatures. Some are asked to appease men who want to participate in women’s sports. We’re asked to applaud and affirm social agendas that go directly against our faith. We’re asked to support events and speakers who stand against those who present a biblical worldview.

And just for the record. When we’re asked to go against our faith, we must refuse. We must make the decision beforehand that there is a line we won’t cross. We must decide that we will be willing to defend our faith when the moment comes. Do or die. We must be ready, willing and prepared to die on the hill that stands before us. If we’re asked to do or say anything that would defile our relationship with God, we must be courageous and stand strong in our faith. If God doesn’t approve of it, this his followers mustn’t either. If we contradict God, we’re placing our relationship with him in grave danger. 

Perhaps our step of courage will be the start of a movement that gives others the same courage to stand for their faith. Let’s never underestimate the power of God working in us and through us. Children of God, we are not in this fight alone. God is on our side. Let’s make it known that we’re on God’s side. No hesitation. No doubt. No denial.

If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Romans 8:31

But all it takes is the courage of one in the face of opposition for others to follow.

Unknown

A Trip Through the Wilderness

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

The Israelites had been freed from slavery in Egypt. God had removed them from the oppression of Pharaoh’s heavy handed leadership. After four hundred years, they were on their way home. But during their flight from Egypt to Canaan, they began complaining about missing the good things they had learned to count on in Egypt. Never mind that they had been slaves working for a tyrant. How quickly the feel of the whip on their backs and the unrealistic work conditions escaped their minds. They began doubting God, even though he had promised to lead them to their new homeland. Years earlier, he had made a covenant with their ancestors, letting them know they were his chosen people. Out of all the people on the earth, they were his most cherished possession. But still they complained. They doubted that God would do what he promised he would do.

And one day God had had enough of the complaints and disobedience. His people had shown they didn’t trust him. They wanted to do things their own way instead of following his leading, so he punished them. He needed their unwavering trust and obedience. The punishment was severe. He told them that anyone in their group who was over the age of twenty would not live to see their new homeland. And they were so close to the finish line. Their new homeland was just around the bend. But because of their disobedience, they would not cross the river into Canaan. They would never eat fresh food again, because they were still living on manna. They would not taste the abundant foods awaiting them. They would die before the promise was realized. It took forty years for all of those over age twenty to breathe their last. Moses was the final one to go. And like the others, he too had angered God. Their faithful leader did not get to cross from the wilderness into the Promised Land with the Israelite nation. He was among those who had disobeyed God. Oh. God took him up the mountain and showed him the promised land, but he died on the east side of the river. He was so close, but yet so far.

Those over the age of twenty had heard the promise that God had given to Moses. They lived with the hope of entering the Promised Land. They made the journey with the plans to cross the river. But they took their eyes off of God and looked only at themselves. Their momentary fears and concerns seemed so much more important than trusting God’s plan and timing. So they didn’t get to see the fulfillment of God’s promise. They listened to their fears instead of their faith in God.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27

I recently took a solo trip to a state two states away from my home. The drive was five hours long. Not too bad. I started the trip mid-morning while the sun was out. The weather was nice. I had packed snacks and water for the trip. I turned on a podcast and began the journey.

All went well until three hours in. I arrived at the edge of a city between my home and my destination. Oh. I’ve travelled those miles many times before. Even solo a few times. So the trip was nothing new. But driving alone on the freeways and the outerbelt of a strange city makes me a bit uncomfortable. Sure. I had printed out the directions for the trip. I’m old school like that. And I also had my destination mapped in my car’s GPS. So how could I fail? That’s what I thought. Until the main exit I needed to take no longer existed. Oh. It existed on my printed directions and in my car’s GPS, but in reality the exit ramp was gone. Major construction was underway, and I had to take an alternate route. But I didn’t know what the alternate route was. There was no sign telling me where to go. So I took the first exit I saw.

Well. I ended up driving in an area of the city that would leave me very nervous if the moon was out. I drove through the underbelly of this fine city listening to the voice in my car telling me how far to go until my next turn. And the voice in my car kept trying to turn me around to get back to that nonexistent exit. After awhile, it corrected itself. So I decided I would remain calm and clearheaded and listen to this voice. I would turn when I was told, and I would continue down the path as if I was certain it would get me to my destination. I had to trust the voice in my car. I had no Plan B.

As I continued on in the city, I drove by the Children’s Museum. I smiled as I recalled the memory of visiting it many years earlier. I drove past sites that were very beautiful, and I noticed others that were boarded up. No longer in use. The city was full of many different architectural structures, some modern and others from bygone eras. And as I drove through the city, the road I was on led me to the exact route on the map I needed to be. Oh. The route was a bit longer than I had planned, but it got me to the main highway I needed in order to make it out of the city.

Sure. I could have gotten really nervous and anxious. I could have screamed and cried. I could have yelled. But I was alone on this journey, and there was no one in my car to take over for me. I was on my own. Me and the voice in my car.

Then as I neared my destination, I made a wrong turn. I ended up on a road I shouldn’t have been on, which caused another delay. I had to drive a few miles out of my way before I could take an exit to go back in the opposite direction. Instead of getting back on that freeway and going back in the opposite direction, I decided to once again listen to the programmed voice in my car giving me different instructions. I drove past houses and schools and farms and buildings I had never seen before. And the more I drove, the more I realized I was heading straight to my final destination. When I pulled into the driveway, the trip was over. I had arrived unscathed.

I felt as though I had just taken a forty year trip through the wilderness. Along the route, I wasn’t always sure if the instructions I was hearing would actually get me to my destination. I decided to trust that voice, because I wasn’t sure that the printed instructions were still accurate. Sure. I made a couple of wrong turns along the way, but I knew that those mistakes could be righted without mishap. So I kept on moving forward. Trusting the voice to lead me to safety. And it did.

Giants in the Land

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

The Israelites were moving closer and closer to the land of Canaan. There must have been loads of excitement in the air. They were almost home. They could feel a sense of relief and accomplishment. God had provided for them, but they had complained. Soon they wouldn’t have much to complain about. They would root out the people who were living there, according to God’s command. He had told them to clean house and move in. So Moses sent out a reconnaisance team to scout the land. They wanted to know what the area looked like and get a feel for their new homeland.

Imagine being the twelve who were chosen to scout the land. Imagine walking the roads and byways. Watching the people. Were there many or few? Were they large or small? Were they well-fed or hungry? What was the lay of the land? This was going to be home, and the energy among the scouts must have been electric.

The scouts reported that the country was very bountiful. Lots of food was available. They even carried back a sampling from a massive grapevine. There was plenty of land for everyone to settle into. But the people who lived there. It was hard not to notice them. They seemed to be giants. And ten of the scouts were deathly afraid of them.

They said they saw giants. And they were afraid. They were afraid the people who were bigger than them were bigger than the God who had rescued them from the Egyptians. Didn’t they realize these giants were much smaller than the God who had parted the sea so they could walk right through it. Didn’t they realize these giants were much less powerful than the God who provided for all of their needs. Didn’t they realize that these giants would be handed over to them by God? They forgot all that God had done for them. They forgot all that God had promised them. So frozen in a moment of fear, they lied.

These ten men who were afraid of the giants were part of a group of twelve who had been sent out to spy on the neighboring country. God’s plan was that they would eventually conquer the land and take it back as their very own. You see. The land of Canaan was the birthplace of their ancestors who had moved to Egypt due to a famine over four hundred years earlier. And now that they had been freed from slavery in Egypt, God was giving their homeland back to them. It was a time for celebration and victory. But their fear and lack of faith turned one of the best times of their life into forty years of the worst. It was a forty year sentence for them. And for most, it was a death sentence.

After exploring the land for forty days, the men returned to Moses, Aaron, and the whole community of Israel at Kadesh in the wilderness of Paran. They reported to the whole community what they had seen and showed them the fruit they had taken from the land. This was their report to Moses: “We entered the land you sent us to explore, and it is indeed a bountiful country—a land flowing with milk and honey. Here is the kind of fruit it produces. But the people living there are powerful, and their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak!” Numbers 13:25-28

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you. Deuteronomy 31:6

It should have been a rather uneventful journey. The twelve spies set out on a short trip to check out the land the Lord had given to them. Oh. They weren’t sure what they would find, but they were pleasantly surprised. The reconnaisance mission was deemed a success by all twelve until ten of the men spoke their fear and doubt out loud. Those doubtful words caused the people of Israel to go mad. How dare Moses lead them out of Egypt where all their needs, except for freedom, were fulfilled. How dare Moses lead them to a land, although flowing with milk and honey, that housed giants. How dare Moses expect them to move into the land to conquer it and remove the giants. How dare he. But really. What they were saying was….how dare God. How dare God expect them to fight to take back the land that was rightfully theirs. How dare God expect anything of them when he had promised to always be with them. When he had handpicked them out of all the people on the earth to be his chosen people. How dare he.

These twelve men weren’t the runts of the litter. They weren’t the weaklings. They were leaders in each of their tribes. They weren’t nobodies. They were respected men. And their faith fell weak when they ran into people bigger than themselves. Oh. When we run into problems that are bigger than us, we can’t just get scared and run the other way. That’s the moment we step into our faith and live it out loud. We don’t let fear hold us back from obeying God. We walk by faith.

We weren’t meant to slay giants on our own. God will handle the giants in our lives. Our job is to trust and obey him. For there’s no other way to live in Christ except in full surrender. Even when we’re faced with giants. Many times the only thing we see standing before us is the giant. We don’t see all the blessings and abundance that surrounds us. We see the one thing that could cause problems, and we focus only on it. We obsess and grumble. We moan and groan, because we have no idea how we’re going to overcome this one thing. And all around us lies the answer. God has already given us the land. We have to trust him to make the way of provision. In his timing and in his own way, God is faithful to provide the victory for us. But we must step out in faith. God will work through us.

But the fear and doubt put the joy and happiness of nation of Israel on a back burner. Because of their disobedience, God punished them by making them live forty years across the river from their promised homeland. Forty years. And everyone aged twenty and above would not be allowed to enter that new land. They would die before the nation moved forward. So for forty years, they saw every one of the adults live and die in their temporary homes. The promised freedom was just within reach. The fulfillment of God’s promise was just within sight. But because of their lack of trust and respect for God’s command, they paid a huge price.

Let’s not make that same mistake with our lives. Oh. The price for us may not be forty years of living in the wilderness. It may not be forty years of eating manna. We don’t know what we miss out on when we defy God. We just know that when we’re not living in submission to Him, we’re not living in God’s abundance. And abundance doesn’t necessarily mean health and wealth. It’s peace of mind. Joy and contentment. Fulfillment in the will of God. Let’s live abundantly in God’s grace and not our own fear and cowardice. Let’s take the land God has given us.

And those giants. They may not take the fight lying down. But with God on our side, nothing is impossible. Those giants will be cast aside with our hand in God’s. The fight may get dirty, but God will be the victor. Let’s never forget that. He will not fail us or abandon us. God never loses the battles he fights.

Not What We’d Expect

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

He was young and good looking. Smart. Well educated. He was trained to be a leader. He was acquainted with the king. Perhaps he was the heir apparent to the throne. But then he was taken captive by the enemy. He and a group of other young men of nobility were led to a distant country to serve at the pleasure of the enemy king. Their lives changed in a moment. Their city had been overrun by an army that destroyed their temple. This temple built by King Solomon had stood for three hundred years. It was a magnificent piece of architecture. And it was plundered. Not only were the sacred temple items stolen, but so were the royal citizens who lived in the palace. The sworn enemy took the best of the best in this invasion. Of course. This enemy king took the young men who were already familiar with palace living.

“Select only strong, healthy, and good-looking young men,” he said. “Make sure they are well versed in every branch of learning, are gifted with knowledge and good judgment, and are suited to serve in the royal palace. Train these young men in the language and literature of Babylon. ” Daniel 1:4

Daniel and his three friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah were now captives in a foreign land. They were no longer their own. Scripture tells us that the prophet Isaiah had warned King Hezekiah that family members would be taken captive to Babylon and these young men would be made into eunuchs. So based on that Scripture, we know that Daniel and his friends would not marry and have families. These young men were emasculated. They were subjects of the king. But not one word is written that they complained or fought against this evil act performed on their bodies. This single act robbed them of the ability to father children. They would have been opposed to such barbaric acts, but they knew that God was in control. They chose to stand strong in their faith in God with each trial and testing placed in their path. They would not surrender their faith, even if it meant death or mutilation of their bodies.

Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Listen to this message from the Lord : The time is coming when everything in your palace—all the treasures stored up by your ancestors until now—will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the Lord . Some of your very own sons will be taken away into exile. They will become eunuchs who will serve in the palace of Babylon’s king.” 2 Kings 20:16-18

King Nebuchadnezzar had made sure that these young men who were from families of prestige and wealth were rendered helpless. When it came to the next generation, perhaps one of one of these four men was the heir apparent to the Judean throne. We don’t know if Hezekiah was the father of any of these young men or if their fathers worked in the royal courts. But we do know that these young men knew what royal life was all about. They had been trained in royal living. They knew the palatial lifestyle, the wealth, and the opulence of living under a successful king. They were surrounded with delicious food, beauty at its finest and endless luxury. Anything they wanted was at their disposal. They were accustomed to an opulent lifestyle, but now they found themselves living in the palace of their enemy. And oh. How the tables have turned. They were not the ones to give commands or issue decrees. They were the ones who were being told what to do. When. Where. And how. They were told what their names would be. They were told what kind of food they had to eat. They were forced into a three year re-education program.

This king was trying to undo all their Jewish knowledge and ways and beliefs. I’m sure there may have been other young exiles who were happy to shed their Jewish customs. Because after all, they were in this mess because their nation had forsaken God. Their nation, as a whole, had rejected God’s commands. So the land of Judah was being punished. And yes, God had warned many times over the years that this exile would occur. They just didn’t know the timing of it.

In this invasion, young men of varying degrees of loyalty to their Jewish faith were most likely taken. So perhaps not every one of these young men held firmly to the Jewish customs, traditions, and observances. Perhaps they were eager to mix with the Babylonians. Didn’t they realize the price for mixing with the enemy? Perhaps they were glad they didn’t have to pray certain times of the day or eat a restricted diet. Perhaps they were glad they didn’t have to offer sacrifices for their sins. I’m speculating here, but we know that the land of Judah had forsaken God. It’s likely that not all of the Jewish exiles held to their Jewish faith. As the nation goes, so goes the people.

But these four young men were determined not to lose the heritage of their faith. They were determined to be faithful to their God, the only God. They knew the ways of God. And they knew the words of God. They were spiritually prepared to fight the battles ahead of them. But there were changes they had to contend with during this challenging time. They agreed to change their names. They agreed to attend this three year re-education program. In the three years that they were being indoctrinated with the Babylonian ways, customs, and traditions, they were able to learn the heart and mind of the king. They learned to live as Babylonians without becoming Babylonians. Impossible? Not if God is with you.

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. John 17:15-16

But when they were offered the diet of a lifetime, the opportunity to eat the king’s food, they put their foot down. They said no. We cannot eat that food. Now there are a few different reasons why they chose not to eat the king’s food. It could be because they were Jewish. After all, Jews eat kosher and the Babylonian diet was not kosher. The Babylonians ate a rich diet and they were proud of it. And so when this rich plate of food was placed in front of them, they were appalled. Their refusal to partake could have been because these foods were off limits to people of the Jewish faith. They could have said no to the food because it had been sacrificed to idols, which was inappropriate in their faith tradition. The third reason could be that this was the king’s food. And even though they were now subject to him, it didn’t mean that they agreed with everything he did and said. And they perhaps knew that by eating his food meant that they were in agreement with him. And they were not. So they refused. We don’t know for sure what the reason was that they refused this food, but we know that they stood firm in their faith and said no.

And when Daniel approached the chief of staff to ask for a different plate of food, the man was afraid for his own life. He knew that by allowing these young exiles to reject the king’s food, the king could demand his head. So Daniel asked for a trial run on his requested diet. And the chief of staff agreed, because God had given him both respect and favor for Daniel. The gauntlet had been thrown. If these four young men looked unhealthy by the end of the week, they would eat the king’s forbidden food. Otherwise, they would remain on their Jewish diet. And at the end of that week, those four young men were sharper and healthier than any of the other young men. They were allowed to continue with their diet.

What we know is that eating the king’s food would have defiled their relationship with God. Their refusal to eat it kept their faith with God in good standing. And that was their ultimate goal. Nothing else mattered. They stood strong in their faith, and they complied with the king’s orders when doing so wouldn’t compromise their faith. Changing their name and attending the three-year indoctrination program didn’t weaken their faith, so they agreed to those demands.

When the three years of training had been completed, the king tested each young man. God had given these four particular young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. He also gave Daniel the ability to interpret the meaning of visions and dreams. No one impressed the king more than these four young men. They had been given favor by God and won a place in the king’s service.

When we compare our lives to this time in Daniel’s life, it’s easy to wonder how this story of Daniel and his three friends applies to our lives today.

Considering everything that’s happening in our culture today, we see so many false ideologies being taught in schools for children to bow down to. We see the evil that world leaders are pursuing. We see the casual way lies are spoken as truth, the cover ups, the destruction of lives and livelihoods, of families being torn apart, of wars and rumors of wars. As believers in Jesus Christ, we need to stand strong in our faith. We need to know where to draw the line on what will defile our relationship with God. And that is where we say no. We need to know where to draw the line so we don’t compromise our faith. For each of us, it may be a different place. It may be a different social scenario or work expectation where we realize we can’t cross the line. We may not know today what that line is. But we better know it when it comes at us.

Just as these young men had been raised to know the Jewish faith and how God had delivered his people many times, and how he had provided for them many times, so too, we believers must know biblical truths. Because it is from those biblical truths where we will draw our strength when we are forced to take a stand. Daniel and his friends knew God’s faithfulness in their previous lives. And they knew God would be faithful in their new life, as long as they were faithful to Him. We too must draw on God’s faithfulness in our times of testing.

These four young men chose to stand strong in their faith in God regardless of what happened to them. So today, let’s let that be the lesson for us that we can stand strong in our faith when others are mandating certain behaviors from us. When we know that a certain act or word will defile our faith, let’s say no to it. Let’s stand strong in the Word of God. But that means that we need to know the Word of God. We need to read and study the Word of God. We must spend time daily in prayer. We need to be faithful in building our relationship with God and making sure that it is strong so that it will stand the test of time. No matter the test we’re facing, with God all things are possible.

Perhaps in our time of testing and maneuvering through the potholes in today’s culture, we will be found faithful and excellent in our service. Perhaps we need to trust God to show us mercy and favor as we live for him in situations where living for God isn’t popular or desired. We must stand ready to engage in today’s culture and customs, even when they are in direct opposition to the Word of God. If we don’t know today’s culture, how can we actively engage to share the love of God?

We can’t live in our own spiritual vacuum and win the world to Jesus. We can’t retreat and hide from the world. We can’t shelter in place. How will we learn to be in the world if we don’t live in it? We can’t hide away and live in our own personal exile. We can’t retreat when we haven’t even fought for our faith. We must stand and be accountable for our convictions. Let’s not even consider compromising, if it would cost us our faith. Eternity lasts forever.

Sanctuary City

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

I live in a city that is committed to providing sanctuary to anyone who is not a documented citizen. We’re told all are welcome. My city has pledged to open the doors to all peoples regardless of immigration status. They want to provide opportunities to everyone who lives in this fair city. Now that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Actually. I’ve read that there is no legal definition of a sanctuary city. Each city can create their own definition. Sounds convenient to me. So that means my city doesn’t come right out and declare sanctuary. But the mayor’s executive order from a few years ago reads pretty clearly. If you ask me.

Sure. Our city has been filled with immigrants and refugees since the day the city was founded. What major city isn’t built that way? But what happened to honesty and fairness? What happened to standing in line and waiting your turn? Some good things take time and effort. Not everything should be a free giveaway. In our latest election cycle, an issue to stop non-citizens from voting in local elections was on the ballot. The citizens of this city voted to allow only citizens to vote. Non-citizens must become citizens in order to have a legal say in the laws and leaders of this city. And rightly so.

Sanctuary means that anyone has the opportunity to reach for success. To get a job. Have a family and provide for them in assumed safety. Anyone can pursue a higher education and reach for their dreams. It means that those who are exiles will be treated the same as those with lifelong citizenship.

What if all followers of Christ lived in a city that decreed everyone live in opposition to biblical beliefs? What would happen to those whose politics leaned the other way? What if all dissenters of the current establishment moved away? What then would happen to the city? Would it implode in lawlessness and anarchy? Would terrorism completely reign if all believers in Jesus Christ moved to a “safe” place? I doubt that everyone would get along just because the Jesus freaks were out of the way. People can always find a reason to disagree. And if the law is that there is no law, then anything and everything is fair game.

So. As believers, do we run and hide? Do we leave the cities and states that are leaning politically toward an agenda that stands against Christianity? Do we run to avoid all controversy and persecution? Do we stay and stand for biblical values? Do we stick around in hopes that our faith can be a shining light in a world gone dark?

We read in 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8 that once the Holy Spirit is removed from the earth, basically all hell will break loose. Satan will be able to wreak havoc on the earth. For a short period of time. But today isn’t that day. We believers are still on this earth. And we still have work to do. We must continue to share the good news of salvation. And we can’t run when faced with opposition. We must stand strong for truth and be prepared to give a reason for the hope that we have.

And you know what is holding him back, for he can be revealed only when his time comes. For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way. Then the man of lawlessness will be revealed, but the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by the splendor of his coming. 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15

This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem: “Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:4-7

When the Jewish people were taken captive to Babylon, they had no choice but to be uprooted. They were forcefully led from their homes and marched to a new country that had no belief in God. Their new home was not founded on the law of Moses. It was founded on idol worship and human sacrifices. This new land had no fear of God or his people. They were the ones to be feared. That’s what they thought. And they took their enemies captive for seventy years.

This captivity was approved by God. He allowed his chosen people to be punished for their sins against him. They had ignored him. They had forgotten him. Overlooked him. In an attempt to run their own lives, they chose to walk away from his hand of blessing. And it backfired on them. Big time. Sure. The backfire was many years in the making, because God is slow in exacting judgment. But the day had come. God had given his people a final warning. A final chance at repentance. And they still rebuked him. God allowed his people to be taken captive to a foreign country by a foreign king for seventy years.

But in their punishment, God didn’t forget them. He gave them a command to live their lives. To build homes. Marry. Have children. Eat well. Prosper. Although the Israelites were the outcasts, God implored them to live their lives well even when they lived in opposition to their captors. They were foreigners in a distant land, but God had their best interests in mind. They couldn’t run away from the fact that they were prisoners. So God commanded them to enjoy their lives.

The same rule applies to Christ followers today. We are living in exile on this earth. This world wasn’t meant to be our final destination. God has so much more planned for us in eternity. But while we’re on earth, we must do well. We must keep in mind that this isn’t our forever home. But we also mustn’t be intimidated by those we disagree with. We must be in the fight for truth. We must be in the fight for God-centered families and businesses. We must be in the fight for the appropriate education for children. We must learn how to counter strategies to brainwash vulnerable children and adults. We can’t do that if we run and hide. We won’t accomplish any change if we run only to safe places. We must stand and be accountable. And we must hold others accountable.

Not everyone can run. Not everyone can leave their job. Their city. Not everyone can pick up and start over. Perhaps we are the ones to stay behind and stand for doing the right thing. Perhaps God is calling us to stay and fight for truth. Because truth is always right. Even if there’s a cost.

We must make sure we’re following God’s lead when we decide to stay or go. He doesn’t call everyone to go somewhere new. He calls some to stay put and live courageously when no one else is. We can’t always take the easy way out and call it God’s will.

Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. Philippians 1:28-29