When Storm Clouds Gather

 

   For those of us who care about the moral fabric of our country, the Supreme Court decision on Wednesday was disappointing.  As I busied myself with chores around our home, I deliberately kept the T.V. off as I knew the news channels would beat the subject to death.  Instead, I turned on inspirational hymns and music that soothe my mind.
     By late afternoon, I came across a wonderful article written by Dr. Albert Mohler entitled "'Waiting for the Other Shoe' - the Supreme Court Rules on Same-Sex Marriage" (the article can be found at Albertmohler.com ).  There was comfort in his words and wisdom.  Then, on Thursday, a dear friend posted to her Facebook page another great article entitled "The Right Side of History is Full of Rewrites" by Ted Olsen.  I found the article well written and thought out as it presents the history of the conflict of moral world views which has been raging for some time (the article can be read in full at Christianity Today - http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2013/june-web-only/same-sex-marriage-supreme-court-doma-right-side-of-history-.html?start=4 ).
     As I prayed about what I had read and discussed the issues at hand with my husband, I came to a place of peace in my heart.  Why?  God has written in His Word the story of man's life from creation to the culmination of end times.  He is sovereign over all the affairs of men so He is not surprised by this decision.  Likewise, just because a branch of government issues their decision does not negate the truth that is found in the Bible.  What God has said, He will do.  What He has begun, He will complete with or without man's cooperation.  We do not have the total picture of what our Lord is doing behind the scenes.  We only see in part, but one day we will understand and see God's total plan unfolded before our eyes when we enter heaven.
     When I consider Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his example during the reign of Hitler, I find someone who did not flinch under the restrictions placed upon Christians and the church.  Instead, he continued to teach, preach and work to preserve the truth of God's Word.  Often, when the church is persecuted or limited in some way, this is the time when the greatest growth is about to happen.  This is how I view what is taking place in our country now.  So what can we do?
     First, I believe we are called to pray even as Daniel did.  Daniel lived in a pagan culture, but he never neglected to pray to God daily.  When he was ordered to stop this practice, he was willing to be thrown to the lions.  We know that God preserved his life and kept him from harm.  He followed God's Law and not man's.  Prayer avails much and we need to diligently seek the Lord daily for our nation, our leaders, and our families.
     Secondly, we are called to stand.  Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus admonished these believers to put on God's full armor so they would be able to combat the enemy of their souls.  Chapter 6:13 reads:  "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."  The victory, we must remember, belongs to those who stand firm in their faith and demonstrate the love of Christ.  The battle belongs to the Lord who alone has the power and authority over the enemy of our souls.
     Finally, we are to live in the strength of the Holy Spirit daily so that we may demonstrate to our culture what a Christian looks like.  As we live out biblical marriage, love our neighbors as ourselves, and serve where God has placed us, we will be living witnesses to the truth found in the Bible.  In addition, we need to tell others the Good News and the hope that is within us.  This is the greatest need we have in our country at this time.
     Many of us felt a blow to our mid-section this week with the decision by the court.  However, I am reminded of a similar blow struck against our country when the Japanese attacked us at Pearl Harbor.  A famous Japanese naval General Isoroku Yamamoto is quoted as saying after this attack:  "I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve."  Indeed, he was right.  However, the weapons of our warfare come from the sword of God's Word and they are not aimed at flesh and blood as Ephesians 6:12 tells us:  "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."  We must remember where the darkness comes from and further, that we are to be the lights which illumine this world.  God has chosen us from before the foundation of the world for such a time as this.  Take heart and join me in prayer for our nation and world.  More than ever, let us strive to be holy even as God is holy so that we might shine brightly at this time in His-story.  We know how the Bible ends.  Let us share this Good News with others that they too may come into the knowledge of our Lord and Savior.  Selah!