by Kala Loptien

Will You Stand?

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV

While helping in third grade one day, I was asked if I could think of a time when my beliefs were challenged. The lesson for the students was about standing firm when we face opposition. We hide His Word in our hearts. We are equipped with the shield of faith and the sword of the spirit which enables us to boldly proclaim the reason for our hope. We have a personal testimony and a relationship with Jesus that no one can debate. No one.

One particular experience stays with me. I went to a small liberal arts college with a Christian affiliation. One of my English professors, however, was an outspoken atheist. She invited a Christian Science writer to our class one week. While I can’t recall the exact question I posed to the journalist, I very clearly remember his response. He said, “Oh, I believe there was a creator…but then he took a seat.” I tend to wear my emotions on my sleeve. That was evident. I was deeply disturbed; but the daggers I received from my professor were a warning to stay silent. And so I was. Red faced… and silent.

How many times has God called us to do more? How many times has He arranged a moment to be bold? To stand up, speak truth, risk “offending” or being judged? We were made for those moments. It’s what Mordecai told Esther shortly before she risked her life to save her people. Now, more than ever, we need to seriously consider this: How will we stand up when the daggers of the world try to keep us silent?

As I shared that example with the students, I realized I missed the initial moment to challenge my professor and the writer. But God has a way of redeeming moments for us, doesn’t He?

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado