God has always placed His people in challenging times, and when God’s people are faithful to His ways and empowered by His Spirit, they stand as bright lights shining in the darkness, pointing people to the saving power of the Gospel. “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever” (Daniel 12:3).
Like Daniel, Esther, and Paul, believers are called to faithfulness rather than fear. Even when wicked courtiers worked behind the scenes to outlaw Daniel’s faith, he steadfastly lifted his prayers to Heaven, even when a lions’ den was waiting. In a time when kings could execute anyone they chose for the smallest reason, Esther made her way to the throne and saved a mass slaughter of the Jewish people. In recounting his own testimony, Paul mentioned that he had received “stripes above measure,” that he had “five times received…forty stripes save one.” He was “thrice beaten with rods” and was even stoned (2 Corinthians 11:23–25). In spite of these impossible obstacles, his ministry helped carry the message of the Gospel far and wide to the known world.
The Church does not retreat—it ministers. Like those faithful people who have preceded us, we bear our burdens with God’s help, and we do all we can to help the people God sends our way. Here at the Christian Law Association, we have seen countless pastors and faithful Christian people in the midst of legal battles that are clearly unfair and unjust. But when these godly people view their legal challenges as opportunities to stand for Christ with wisdom, it not only is a great blessing to see, but it also shines the light of God’s love into the darkness of this sin-cursed world, showing people that our loving Heavenly Father is real.
May the Lord give us the courage to stand and the wisdom to stand well.