And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word.
Acts 4:29
I am 53 years old. I have been blessed to live in this great nation my entire life, enjoying American liberties and the privilege of free speech. And I have been a Christ-follower for 23 years. Over the past two decades, as I’ve talked about Jesus to others and given a reason for my hope (1 Peter 3:15), my words have sometimes been accepted and other times, ignored. Sometimes, I’ve lost friends—or potential friends—because of speaking the Truth of the Gospel in love. But those words have always been allowed.
This is changing fast.
Our brothers and sisters in Christ around the country are not just being disagreed with when they speak Truth. They are being shouted down (by the monster of social media or face to face), threatened, kicked out of organizations, fired from their jobs—canceled.
Make no mistake: Christian persecution in the United States of America is getting real.
I’ve often written about being bold for our faith. For standing firm on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Sure, speaking the Truth is scary! It requires courage that only comes from our rootedness in the Word and by the power of the Holy Spirit. And there’s always been risk…loss of a friendship, strained or damaged family ties, discomfort and mocking at work—I’ve been there.
But as our nation, which was built upon a foundation of religious freedom and diversity of ideas, is being rapidly redirected and transformed by mob-mentality, the “risk” of being a Christian in America is greater than ever. What has been the norm around the world throughout all of history is becoming our reality. Fundamental persecution with devastating consequences has stormed the beaches of America.
It is time to dig deeper into the Word of God as our solid foundation of Truth—because everything else is just shifting sands. And, although the risk is huge, we have to muster more courage than ever to stand our ground, kneeling to no one but Jesus Christ.
As I write these words, I’m thinking, “Lord, am I strong enough to profess my faith in You, regardless of the consequences? Am I prepared to lose my job, reputation—life?” These are questions I never thought I’d have to ask myself in my country and in my lifetime. Yet, here we are.
Are you ready?
Lord, prepare my mind and heart to stand firm on the Gospel Truth and not be ashamed. Despite the risk, help me be brave.
encouraged by grace 