Do you ever feel like that picture? Just keep me in a hole and I’ll be fine until Jesus comes back. There are days when I long for a different time. A more glamorous time. And I’ll just be honest, an easier time. To live in 1890’s London where black magic was outlawed, the innocence of the late 1940’s New York City, or 1960’s Paris. But I must often utter the words spoken to Queen Ester by her cousin Mordecai, “You were created for such a time as this.”

I long for different times for different reasons. Today’s reason comes two days after Phil Robertson was suspended indefinitely (lets call it what it is, he was fired) from A&E’s Duck Dynasty. He was let go for his comments in GQ magazine calling homosexuality sin. Yes, his comments were a little crude, but because a group of people got offended, they sought to take away his reputation and slander his name. Twisting his words as well as accusing him of of hate, thou there was no hate in his interview. I long for different times so I don’t have to face events like these. A time when certain sins were a ‘no no’ in society whether you were Christian or not. I long to be whisked away to a bubble and be surrounded by optimism and the presence of the Holy Spirit. But that is not reality. These times are reality.

This post is not political, it’s not about homosexuality. It’s not even about Mr. Robertson and his show. It’s about you. It’s about you standing up for what is true. Standing up for what is right, noble, and pure in the midst of adversity. It’s about you finding encouragement and standing up for Jesus in a time of acceptable sin.

I’m not sure if you realize this, but you live in Babylon. You, and your family, are living in a world bowing down to the idols of sex, greed, pride, materialism, self entitlement, control, selfishness, power- the list goes on. We live in a culture where if you do not bow down to these idols, you’ll be thrown to the furnace- just as Phil Robertson. Just as Dan Cathy from Chic-fil-A, and just like you will be. I’m sorry, were you looking for encouragement? I’m getting there.

Our culture calls for tolerance. Well, unless they disagree with you, then they don’t have to be tolerant. You must be tolerant of their point of view, but not them of yours. When did we get to the point where violent games, sexual exploration and perversion are called ‘creativity’. When did we get to the point where pornography is now called ‘art’? That not accepting all of these views is ‘intolerant’? Where saying you don’t agree with someone you are automatically a racist and homophobe? Who is making these ‘rules’ that we have to abide by? Please don’t misunderstand me, I am discouraged too. I’m saddened by those who were once Christians and have now fallen away from the loving arms of Jesus because of offense and misunderstanding. I’m discouraged because sometimes our standing firm is misinterpreted and pushes unbelievers away.

You, ladies, are living in the Last Days. The Bible says that in the Last Days the world will start to call good ‘evil’ and evil ‘good’. Look around, that’s us. Right now, and its scary. It’s scary because, you dear ministers of the Word, are a target. You and your family are a target for the enemy. The enemy is king of Babylon. As you preach, as you witness, you will be standing up for what is good according to God, but it’s evil according to humans. The enemy will try and get you any way he can, even if that means punishing you for doing right. Were you still looking for encouragement? Don’t worry, it’s coming.

The enemy tried to tear down Chic-fil-A, he is trying to tear down the Robertson family, he will even try to make us tear each other down. We are not living in the 1940’s where you could get away with being ‘Luke warm’. Oh, yes, God knows the heart, but back then our culture was a lot more tied to Biblical principals whether you were Christian or not. You are living in the here and now and are called to make a stand. In this day and time, you cannot ride the fence. You either choose to stand for Christ, or bow down to the idols. There is no in between anymore.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE
Wait! Where is my encouragement in Babylon? How can I not be disappointed at these events? Dear lady, my encouragement is the same as Queen Ester’s: YOU WERE CREATED FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS. Yes! You, beautiful creation of God. It is time for us to have an eternal perspective. One that looks onward toward Heaven knowing this world that we are on is not our home. Our job is to stand firm for Jesus and bring as many people with us as possible. It will be hard, dirty and painful. But God will not leave us nor forsake us. He stands right next to us whether we notice or not. Do you know what God is going to say when Mr. Robertson walks through the Pearly Gates? “Well done good and faithful servant.” Why? because his perspective is not on what Babylon can give him, what they say about him or do to him. It’s on his future home with Christ.
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that The Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12

I say to you, minister of the Gospel, stand firm. Stand firm by:

* looking at eternity not the here and now,
* digging into the Word constantly,
* praying and worshipping without ceasing,
* knowing who you are in Christ,
* and TRUST. Trusting He is with you and working everything out for the good of those who are in Christ Jesus.

Babylon may be able to take away your money, your job, your freedom. Babylon will try and make you quiet to further their agenda, and slander your reputation-even take away your life. But Babylon cannot take Heaven. It cannot take the freedom you have in Christ. Stand strong ladies! You were created to fight in ‘such a time as this’! If you couldn’t handle it, you wouldn’t be here. You will hear those words GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT. This time in Babylon is scary, but there is not a more exciting time to live.

PRAY WITH ME SISTERS
“Father, I ask in the name of Jesus, help us. Help us to stand up for what is true no matter the consequence. I thank you that this place is not our home. Help us to have eternal perspective, not wanting the things of this world but wanting the things of Heaven. Unify us at these trying times instead of us ripping one another apart. We ask for protection over our homes and families. This world may take away everything we own, but they cannot take away our salvation. Help us “not to be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present (our) requests to God.” God, that the peace that transcends all understanding guard our hearts and minds. Help us to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure and lovely. (Phil. 4:6-8) And while we do these things, we glorify you and bring people to the knowledge and understanding of Jesus. Amen”