The Cause of Christ

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‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me.

Acts 26:16 (NIV)

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This week, the world has changed. We have taken a different course than many would have expected at the beginning. The rising tensions with Iran, the accidental and tragic downing of an Ukrainian airline, and the news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex wish to step back from their senior roles in the royal family.

It isn't all doom and gloom though, because as long as there is still one believer, one who is fighting for the cause of Christ, there remains a light in this world. And, as far as I am aware, there is definitely more than just one believer here on earth.

Today, I want to talk about stand up paddle boarding. A bit of a random thought for a Sunday, I know. Did you know that stand up paddle boarding is an offshoot of surfing that originated in Hawaii. Unlike traditional surfing where the rider sits until a wave comes, stand up paddle boarders stand on their boards and use a paddle to propel themselves through the water. If you've ever had the chance to do this, you'll know how hard it can be to stand up and remain balanced, let alone paddle yourself forward against the tide. But you see, this offers a perfect analogy for how we should be as Christians. The world around us is the water, fast running, going the wrong way and trying to knock us off the board. Trying hard to prevent us from standing up because when we stand up we are able to use the paddle to move forward. Moving forward being us doing the Lord's work.

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He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling.

Daniel 10:11 (NIV)

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Times like these, we seem to find ourselves on our knees more and more. Praying into the situations we find. Whilst this is important for the issues we can't do something about, the bible gives us a blueprint for living the faith. So stand and proclaim the message where you are. Help in the situations you are in. Don't let the size of the worlds problems prevent you from doing what you can where you are. Even when we struggle, the waves seem to be trying to knock us down - we must continue to stand up so that we can further the cause of Christ. Much like Daniel, who fell to his knees at the sight of an angel, we must reverently approach the throne but then stand up. He appoints us as His. He calls us to a life of choosing to stand up. Even when we are weak and trembling, like Daniel, we must stand up because we are His. We are His beloved and because of that, we are called to a life of love for Him. The cause of Christ isn't easy just look at Peter.

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About an hour later another asserted, ‘Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.’

Peter replied, ‘Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!’ Just as he was speaking, the cock crowed.

Luke 22:59-60 (NIV)

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In Luke 22, we see the story of The Last Supper and the early hours of Good Friday. Amongst those events we see Jesus' prophecy come true that Peter would betray Him three times before the cock crowed. We are reminded through this scripture of Peter's raw humanity, the rock of His church in his lowest moment, betraying the One. You see, even Peter had his failings but Jesus used him for great good. Just because you have your failings does not mean that you should shy away and step back, but rather aspire to more. yearn for something greater. Allow Him to use your life as a light in this dark world.

All around us, we see a world in retreat. A world taking sides. A world picking and choosing the causes they support by what is the short term benefit. A world being more isolationist and the traditional orders that have kept relative stability seem to be fading fast. As a human, this can be hard to take, but as a Christian it can be harder. The world seems to be going further away from Christ and deeper into darkness. We see the horrific photos coming out of Australia and see absolute destruction. The world is in a dark place. It is in these times, that we need to get down on our knees and pray for God's guidance and help to support those around the affected to have the right words, to do the right thing and be the light of Him where they are. Today, why not take a moment to reach out to God with your prayers for the world we find ourselves in.

The world is changing. Values are being challenged. People are turning away from each other. This is not what God intends. Now is not the time to step back, rather, now is the time to stand up like Daniel, not back down like Peter and move forward as His people sharing His love. Standing up, being heard, and having an impact. Will you surrender your all for the cause of Christ?

Reflect today: How can you stand up in the places you find yourself? What actions can you do to make it absolutely clear to the world what you stand for? Will you change who you are to fit in with the crowd or will you, against the odds, stand up for who you are and where you place your faith?

Dear Father,

Its not always easy to stand up in a world where we are encouraged to sit down. It's not always easy to be you in a world that just doesn't want to know, but please help me to have the strength be your light in this world of darkness. Help me to have the wisdom to know what I have influence over and help me to discern your call on my life. Help me to realise that I can't save the world at once but I can make a change by showing Jesus to the people I meet in the week. Thank you for helping me to stand. Thank you for your grace, your mercy, and your never-ending love. I place all my concerns at your feet. In Jesus' name I pray all these things.

Amen