Hard to Stand

Today is the National See You At The Pole for students. This is an annual event that has been initiated to be a student-led prayer gathering at the flag pole of their school. Today as I went to the local middle school to meet at 7:30, I found that the teachers had organized a gathering at 7:15. However, many students were still arriving at 7:45. I saw something very unique as the three students that came to meet with me tried to encourage peers to join with them. Each peer would either pretend they did not see or hear them, or dodge the invitation with a "gotta do something" or "I'll be right back". But never the less, there were three of whom I was very proud. I am always proud of students that will take a stand for Christ but especially for those who are standing in the small group.

I shared Matthew 18:20 with them which reads in the NLT, "For Where two or three gather together because they are mine, I am there among them." These three lifted their voices to the Lord and asked that their peers be saved! Wow! How many times do we adults join in small gatherings in front of crowds of onlookers and pray that our friends be saved?

Verse 19 of Matthew 18 tells us "If two of you agree down here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you." These three prayed the same thing. They "agreed" with one another desiring their friends be saved.

The church is not changing. We meet at "safe" times, in "safe" places. It is safe to go to church on Sunday morning when all the churchy people go. We have always been told there is safety in numbers. But Christ has not called us as a group, He has called us an individuals and that is how we must stand for Him.

Why plan a prayer meeting that meets early before everyone arrives? Why plan a worship service when and where it will not be offensive to anyone? Why do we as Christians desire to be "bold" in secret? In Christ there is power. Stand with the few in plain sight. That is boldness.

Don't run away when no one is chasing you. Proverbs 28:1 ".....but the righteous are as bold as a lion."

Be bold....stand when there are only a few to stand with you!