Living the life of a believer is tough sometimes. The world is in constant conflict with our faith. Sometimes our faith even puts us at odds with family, friends, coworkers, and others in our lives. Sometimes we avoid bringing up our faith to avoid conflict with others. Sometimes we are too scared to say anything at all about our faith. Yet other times even the most innocent and factual statements about our faith can cause a negative reaction in others that seems ridiculous to us. For example, a simple statement such as "I love my church!" can cause others to cringe and react in a negative way. Why is this so? Because the world hates Christ and because of that, they hate us.
"But wait," you say, "I have friends and family who are unbelievers and they don't hate me." Maybe so, but what about if you talk with them about your faith. How do they react? Do they react in a positive manner or seem interested? If so, perhaps the Holy Spirit is already working on their heart. Or does the very subject of Jesus Christ cause a negative or stone cold reaction in them? They may love you, but they don't love Christ and the faith you have in Him. It's a point at which you are at odds. Whether it's spoken or left unspoken, it's a point of contention between you and them. There are others who aren't so nice about their aversion to our Lord and our faith. They have no qualms about expressing this sentiment in no uncertain terms. Christ said, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first." John 15:18
So, what are we to do? We are to have spiritual fortitude. Ground yourself in Christ. He is our rock, our redeemer, our friend. He will never forsake you. You, the believer have the Holy Spirit with you at all times. You are never alone, even in these precarious situations where your faith is being attacked, belittled, or persecuted. Pray, seek God first, and rely on Him. Study His Word, meditating on it and engraining it in your heart. Don't fear criticism for your faith. Be strong in the Lord, "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 God will prepare the way for us to witness to others about our faith. We must anticipate and watch for His perfect timing. Trust in Him to provide the who, why, when, and where. Our part is to always be ready to respond when the situation arises.
Second, don't give up on others who are not believers. Pray for them, for God to open their hearts and draw them to Christ. Don't force God on them because that's not the way to witness to them. Wait on God's timing. We must be careful with our words to those who don't believe so as not to purposefully debate our faith just for the sake of proving them wrong. "Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you." Matthew 7:6 But don't avoid living your faith around them either. Show them Christ not only in your loving words but in your deeds as well. Love them, show them true friendship, and be a real friend to them. Then allow God to do a work in them, asking Him to use you. You know, sometimes it's hardest to witness to those we love the most.
Who are the people in your life that you avoid speaking or living your faith around? Perhaps we need not be so spiritually timid around them. We can ask for God's wisdom, strength, and courage to help us develop spiritual fortitude. Grace and peace, friends!
In His Love, Cathy
4 comments:
Fortitude. Exactly what people need.
In my small group Wed night we talked about persevereance in the Christian life - crashing through quitting points - and getting your second wind. One main thought that emerged was that many people quit because the "have no root in themselves" - this idea coming from the parable of the sower and seed, and spoken by Jesus Himself.
We need to "be strong... and endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2 Tim.2:1-3 KJV).
Good post Cathy.
Ron
Thank you. God just really impressed this upon my heart first thing this morning. It's something that we all struggle with.
Cathy, I get this so much. I have struggled to witness to my brother and sister and have been praying that they get back in church. They know God, but they have been far from him over the years. I left my brother's over Christmas feeling like a total loser for not doing enough to show them, but I was so scared about offending them. I've done so in the past with what they have said was judgmental behavior. This time I was quiet and prayed. I made one request on Christmas, and that was for them to watch the Rick Warren Christmas special I happened upon while watchin Fox News the night before. I Tivod it and transferred it to the living room Tivo. It was frustating as all getup to everyone together, and I really thought the message was lost. By God's unbounding grace, my brother called me a couple of weeks later and told me he found a church, and he's been going ever since. He's also been without work for almost a year and has recently had a great interview with a church. It's incredible to see God at work and prayers answered. I think He knew that I needed some visible answered prayers in my life at that time. Thanks so much for writing this blog. Terri
I just Praise God for answering your prayers for your brother! AMEN! Thank you for being so transparent and sharing your experience in witnessing to family. Many of us are most sensitive when it comes to witnessing to loved ones - because we don't want to offend and we don't want to sound judgemental. Sometimes, I think they say we're judgemental no matter how loving or sensitive we are when we witness to them. What I think is really going on is that they are being convicted by the Holy Spirit and they are resisting. I think it was just awesome how you prayed first, then waited on God's timing, and was able to witness in a way they were more receptive too! I'm praying for you and for your family! Love ya so much!
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