Remain

The news is full of deaths and natural disasters and my facebook feed is overflowing with pictures and videos of riots and protests and shootings. Worse news piles on top of bad news and I can hardly keep up with it. The debates are heated. The hatred is fierce. It’s not just here in my city. It’s across the nation. It’s across the world.

My heart is burdened, my thoughts are heavy, and my mouth is wordless.

I’ve been reading articles about how Christians should be responding to all of this. Aaron Cline Hanbury, editorial director of Relevant magazine, said, "Evil forces at work are causing fear and hatred to rule and reign in the hearts of people everywhere." His words are so true.

This shouldn’t be coming as a huge surprise to Christians. We were warned.

But even still, what am I supposed to say? How am I supposed to react?

A lot of articles are saying to pray for those broken, lost, and wounded. Pray for peace.

But isn’t that the next most popular “Christian answer” next to Jesus? It’s the go-to answer. And it’s a fine thing to do, but I think there’s more.

Remain faithful.

God has made it pretty clear how we should live our lives. And I don’t think those commands have changed. Keep living how God has called you to live. Be consistent.

Be joyful, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, love as He has loved us, let peace rule in our hearts, be gentle, be kind, forgive others, be quick to listen and slow to speak…

People are looking for answers and comfort for the pain and the hurt. And wouldn’t it be great if they could look to us and see Jesus? The gospel, people, the gospel is all that matters. I too easily get caught up in the unimportant things of this world. The world is falling apart. It’s not going to last much longer.

I’m not encouraging you to stand on a street corner and start preaching at people. I’m encouraging you to remain faithful to the Lord and the life He has called you to live. Be the light of the world. Wherever God has you at this moment, be there. Be present for those around you.  

Sometimes I feel guilty living my comfortable, American life. I get to sit in coffee shops and go to work and go to college and spend time with friends. I haven't been directly effected by all these horrific events. But I shouldn't feel guilty because this is where God has called me for this stage of my life. He hasn't asked me to be in the slums of Africa or the restricted nations or the refugee camps. He has called me here to Minnesota and intentionally put people in my life for specific purposes. And He has asked me to be faithful. I am thankful for His kindness and protection and will gladly remain.