Now What?

Now what?
So many of us are asking that question in light of cultural issues that weigh heavily on us.
Asking that question without getting an answer often leaves people feeling powerless.
Powerless people tend to huddle in corners hoping that the problem will just go away.

Except not this time.
We have huddled too long.
We wait quietly in the corner hoping that someone else will handle all of our problems.
The cultural problems just seem too large as they loom before us.

Did you ever watch an ant?
Noah Webster in his book, Lessons From Nature For Youth, used the ant as an example.
Webster writes:

The celebrated conqueror, Timour the Tartar, was once forced to take shelter from his enemies in a ruined building. There he sat alone for many hours. After some time, desirous of diverting his mind from his hopeless condition, he fixed his attention on an ant which was attempting to carry a grain of corn, larger than itself, up a high wall. Its efforts, however, were unsuccessful. Again and again it strove to accomplish its object – and failed. Still undaunted, it returned to its task, and sixty-nine times did Timour see the grain fall to the ground. But the seventieth time the ant reached the top of the wall with its prize; and “the sight,” said the conqueror, who had just before been despairing, “gave me courage at the moment, and I have never forgotten the lesson it conveyed.”

Now what?
We go forward like the ant.
Ants live in huge colonies.
Ants can lift objects that are many times the weight of their body.

Ant activities are coordinated and they act in a precise manner.
Ants communicate with each other with the help of a chemical called pheromones.
This chemical signals danger and also directs other ants to a source of food.
Ants can resolve complicated situations by working together.

Sitting in our corner alone and in despair helps no one.
Working together towards a common goal is the only way to get things done.
In terms of size, the ant is probably the strongest creature in the world.
An ant can lift 20 times its own body weight.

We need to be ants in this culture war.
We need to work together, communicating with each other to solve complicated problems.
We need to be coordinated.
We need to be precise.

We need to be willing to go back seventy times if necessary before we see results.
But results we will see.
We may feel tiny in comparison to the well-funded groups and lobbyists.
However we have forgotten one important thing.

We are fighting for what is important to God.
We are battling for issues that are close to His heart.
God promises that He will never leave us or forsake us.
Let’s act as if we believe His promise.

We have no reason to doubt God.
We have every reason to trust Him.
Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.
We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God. (John 6:68, 69)

The Holy One of God will never abandon His people.
Never.
That is why we can get out of our corners and battle.
We battle with grace and boldness because we know our Commanding Officer.

Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in the synagogues. On My account, you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. All men will hate you because of Me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. (Matthew 10:17-22)

You will be given the words to say.
It will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
That is a promise worth getting out of your corner for.
That is a promise that should fortify you and motivate you and calm your fear.

However, we are human.
We get afraid.
The other voices are louder, more organized, and seemingly better funded.
That is a smokescreen.

When you are about the business of mocking God, you stand alone.
Even in a group, you stand alone.
When you are about the business of the Kingdom, you stand with God.
Even alone, you stand with God.

So, you are never alone.
You can be bold.
You can be courageous.
You can come out of your corner and speak the words He gives you.

Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? (Proverbs 6:6-9)

We do have a Commander.
We do have a Ruler.
He is the Lord Jesus.
With Him, we are never alone.

Now what?
Remember the ant.
The gates of hell will not overcome Christ’s Church.
Maybe we have battled sixty-nine times; but there is always the seventieth time.

There is always another attempt to make a difference for the Kingdom.
Together, under our Commander, we are organized since He is a God of order.
The enemies of God do not have Him there to help them.
The people of God stand in the power of the Lord Jesus.

Armor on.
Swords up.
God the Father will speak through you.
God the Father will give you courage.

Silence is no longer an option.
Cowering until the storm passes is foolish.
The storm clouds have been overhead far too long.
We wait for the rainbow – God’s rainbow – the rainbow of promise.

Remember the ant.
We who are in Christ can do this.
The enemies of God, though in a group, stand alone.
The people of God, though alone, stand with Him.

Victorious!

2 responses to “Now What?”

1. AMEN!!!

   Reply

   • Sherie,
     We go forth with courage, boldness, and grace in the power of the Spirit. Silence is no longer an option.
     Gina

     Reply