Persecution is a good thing? Paul told Timothy that "All those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" in 2 Timothy 3:12, so it should not surprise us when these difficult times come. Unfortunately, too many Christians think God is 'ticked off'' at them when things go wrong, and they step back from their faith in Christ. However, if we will determine that living for Christ is worth it no matter what happens, then our lives will be drastically changed by the power of the gospel. Dear Christian, hang in there; God is on the throne, and his wrath has been fully satisfied by his Son, Jesus.
I went outside yesterday (Monday) to put the kids' bikes in the van so Kari could take them to the park. This is what greeted me. Someone had broken out my driver's window, stolen our GPS, our phone charger, and our emergency kit with jumper cables. They also took our stack of quarters for parking meters. Oddly enough, they didn't take any of our Christian CDs :). Hear me clearly, I do NOT (repeat- do NOT) think of this crime against us as Christian persecution. This had NOTHING to do with my faith. This is simply a trial of life that people of every faith go through. But as we go through trials like everyone else, we have the "window of opportunity" for Christ to shine in us.
My first reaction was a sense of "What happened?" My second reaction was the sense of "My property has been violated and taken." My third reaction was, "I want justice served to whoever did this." And my fourth reaction was, "I'm glad it was just 'stuff' that was taken and not people being hurt." Finally, my current stance on it is this: "God is giving me a window (yes... it's a pun) of opportunity here to be a witness for Christ."
Because of this event, I have been introduced the owners of the rather large business next door to my house. Their security cameras may have footage of the crime, and they are working with me to see if they can get anything conclusive from the video. So in one month's time since moving here, God is opening a window for me to get connected with these people that I would not have had otherwise. They actually want to help me catch this guy! Instant connection.
I've met my neighbors on the other side of the street. They have a camera they are checking too. Boom! Instant connection.
My neighbors on the other side of our house are very sympathetic towards us too. They reached out to us yesterday because of the crime. Boom! Instant connection.
Our landlord introduced me to his friend, Louie, yesterday. He stuck around because of our conversation about the crime. Then it came up that I was a pastor starting a new church in Astoria. He says he's very religious, but he doesn't go to church nor read his bible because you don't have to do those things to be religious. (He's actually right) But he doesn't realize that being "religious" leads to slavery where the grace of Christ leads to freedom. We will talk about that later though.
On top of all these "connections" God also reminded me of the simple truth. "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy, and where theives do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."~ Jesus in Matthew 6:19-21.
Where is your heart today? I was reminded that "stuff" is not important in life. God treasures people, and I want to treasure what he does. I pray God makes divine connections for me and you today. Let's look for our "window of opportunity" to join God in his work.
Right on the money, Daniel. Our church building was broken into this past week as well. God works through all events of life for His purpose.
ReplyDelete