Journal
Courageous. Writer Ernest Hemmingway said that “courage is grace under pressure.” Courage is defined as mental and moral strength; it is the ability to do something that frightens you and is strength in the face of pain and grief. Jesus was our ultimate example of “grace under pressure” throughout His three years on earth. Even on the cross, He cried out, “Father, forgive them; they know not what they do.”
I’m privileged to have traveled the world several times and met many who I am in awe of as they risk their lives to share their faith. Their courage has brought me to tears many times. Recently, I was in Cypress, helping to teach and train men and women from several countries where religious freedom, particularly Christianity, is said to be tolerated but, in reality, is persecuted. Two Iranian filmmakers visited Cypress for a “vacation” and attended our conference. They told us that they were taking notes during the day and then going back to their hotel room at night and memorizing them because they would be imprisoned if they were caught with what we were teaching them.
Courageous men and women who risked it all for Jesus are indeed saints. Their kind of courage cannot be found in human strength. It can only be found when we allow the Holy Spirit to infuse Himself fully into our soul. Those of us who work in secular production offices, on sets and stages, know that often our faith is belittled and sometimes bullied, and I believe it is not going to get easier in the future. I Peter 3:15 tells us we should “Always be ready to make a defense to anyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (my emphasis).
There are no scaredy cats or “turkeys” in God’s Kingdom!
When the Holy Spirit lives in us, and we are fully engaged with God, our response is always “Yes, I will” stand up for my faith. Our Bible and history books are filled with those who stood up, were persecuted, and demonstrated solidarity with Jesus Christ, God’s son, while giving their lives. Today’s heroes of the faith such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Jim Elliott, Corrie Ten Boon, Billy Graham, and Mother Theresa, to name a few, never shied away from persecution and gave their lives entirely to the cause for Christ.
In Romans 12, Paul spelled out for us how to handle and navigate life with courageous grace. We are to be holy, living sacrifices, renewing our minds with the Word of God, serving humbly, and loving greatly (and yes, even to those who oppress or persecute us). This Thanksgiving holiday, remember the faithful men and women who came to this country and became America’s founders so that we might have freedom to worship. Their perseverance and courage was rooted in our nation’s motto: “In God we trust.” Remember their courage. Then, embolden your life with Biblical wisdom bathed in grace and be ready to share the Hope that lives within you. Our world needs courageous people as never before.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10.
Journal
God’s plans for us are perfect. But somehow even though we know we can never fully accomplish perfection, knowing that we can’t attain it never stops us from trying. Most who are single want to be married. Yet most married couples, if they are truthful, often wish they could return to their days of singleness when life was less complicated and without the responsibility of a significant mate and added children.
Paul, the apostle, openly shares his thoughts on the cultural issues of his time, and what was best for him and his calling. In 1 Corinthians 7:25-38, Paul explains that he chose singleness as the most favorable choice for him because he believed marriage would divide his thoughts and responsibility. He made the argument that a single person only has to think about their engagement with God, but married couples must engage with God and also leave time for their spouse, thus requiring a division of focus.
We often hear that the opposite sex “completes” us. That isn’t true. God completes us. Our mates, if we have chosen well, complement us. The reality is that marital status is a label depicting a relationship. Couples in long and successful marriages must be secure in their relationship with God first and who they are in Him. They have learned that a spouse will never be able to fulfill perfect love and that only God can bring contentment and fulfill the desires of their hearts.
However, whether single or married, Paul reveals in Philippians 4:12 that we are to be contented in all circumstances. God’s purpose is for us to be in His will. He has a reason for you to be where you are at any given moment. His purpose and plans are perfect for you and will always be far superior. The world says we must follow a certain cultural agenda to be content. The truth is that lots of married people will become single again through various life issues. We are born as an individual into the world, and we will leave single.
Pew research reports that 30 percent of U.S. adults admitted that they are not married, aren’t living with a partner, or aren’t engaged in a committed relationship. It went on to reveal that 63% of men in their twenties are single compared to only 34% of women. Men in their twenties, in fact, aren’t pursuing women as they once did because of the massive consumption of media that is now available to them, which diverts their attention. They are consumed by social media, porn, playing video games, or engaging in online sports gaming.
We often get ourselves “into a dither,” as my granny used to say. When we seek what the world says, we must follow it to be happy. Remember that the world can only bring shallow happiness, but Kingdom choices bring joy. Joy is rooted in our souls and in eternal promises with lasting security and peace in our lives. We will stay depressed, fearful, and emotionally distraught when we unwillingly wallow in our selfish choices. Both singleness and marriage are gifts – but different gifts, each packaged with different challenges and benefits. They both allow us to accomplish the purposes God has for us, and that fact, not whether we are single or married, is what will bring our ultimate joy.
