This week, Vice President Pence was denigrated on national television as someone suffering from mental illness because he had the faith and the audacity to say the Lord speaks to Him. He dealt with it in a manner befitting, not only a national leader, but a man of God. Pence stood up to the bullying, not for himself, but for the tens of millions of Americans he represents who, like him, “cherish their faith.”
I believe the Lord allowed these remarks to be made against our vice president because he is just the right man, with the right position to deal with this disparaging attack publicly. Watching him controlled by the Holy Spirit speak from his integrity should embolden more Christians to take a stand against verbal assaults on our faith. Somehow, we’ve forgotten there is a mighty God who causes His children to triumph over the enemy, even when the enemy is using Joy Behar.
What do you do with ridicule? Do you stand your ground? Do you run when you feel shamed?
Don’t let the Devil silence you in those moments of attack and cause you to sulk away in shame. Jesus suffered both ridicule and rejection for us so that He could fill and empower us to stand against the enemy’s devices.
Yes, there is a time for silence, but there is a time to speak up. It takes listening to Jesus to know when to do what. Yes, listening, because He speaks to His own. “My sheep hear my voice, Joy Behar!” He is our advisor when we face any trial.
It is time for the universal church to stand up and be the children of God He is calling us to be. The Holy Spirit enables us to serve as mighty witnesses of Christ’s unfailing grace.
We have the power to influence. We have the power to overcome. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world; You are the salt of the earth.” It is light that causes darkness to flee. It is salt that purifies and preserves.
Someone said Christians are not the majority anymore. That may be true statistically, but when you factor God into the equation, oh yes, we are. God is on our side. He more than makes up for a lack of numbers.
We may be offered up for crucifixion; Jesus was. “Crucify Him!” they shouted, “Take away His clothes.” The accuser of the brethren incited the crowd to shame Him, beat and destroy Him, mock and ridicule Him. “After all, who does He think He is?”
But, remember, change comes through sacrifice.
Think of Rosa Parks on the city bus. She was hauled off to jail.
Think of Martin Luther King, Jr. He was shot for taking a stand against inequality.
And above all, think of Jesus, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, so that we could be saved.
Have you served Jesus with a heart of love for people only to have your love refused or your years of service reduced to ridicule?
Call out to Jesus for help. He understands more than you know.
“But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O Lord, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation. Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters … Hear me, O Lord; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies. And hide not thy face from thy servant: for I am in trouble: hear me speedily.” Psalm 69:13-14, 16-17, KJV.
He defends and protects. We need to face our fear; we need to stand firm with Jesus.
God will enable you to make the sacrifice. Remember your suffering is but for a moment, but the eternal reward is glory forever and ever.
Dear Lord, when we are facing ridicule and shame because of the enemy’s attacks, lift us up in new courage to face and answer our accusers. Give us the grace to continue to show mightily your love and goodness working in and through us. At the appointed time, grant us words of wisdom and truth which, not only silence the assault, but draw the lost sinner to repentance. Strengthen us this day to continue to labor in love for you. We ask that you receive our sacrifice as an offering of thanksgiving for your grace and mercy to us. And, “Father, please forgive them, they know not what they do.” Amen.