Live Out Your Faith

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21 NKJV

As my husband and I walked into church yesterday morning, I smiled as our worship leader, Hannah (who was working at the welcome counter) greeted me with these words, “There’s a young girl who came in earlier that was looking for you. She went out to her car and will be back inside. I believe she’s from Crocker. She filled out a card.” As Hannah checked the card for a name, my mind began to wonder who it might be that was obviously from the town I used to live in when my kids were in school. When Hannah said, “Her name is Brittany,” I got excited and rushed out to the parking lot to find her.

And let me tell you, we were glad to see one another. After this sweet girl (who I've known since she was young and who had graduated years earlier with my son) and I embraced, we looked at one another and I could see that she had been crying. “I’m so glad you’re here!” I told her. “You know I’ve been praying for you for a long time.” “I know,” came her reply as she smiled. “That’s why I came to your church. I knew you would make me feel welcome.” Oh how that made me smile!  “If you don’t mind me asking,” I continued as I held her hand, “What made you decide to turn back to Christ? Why now?” 

Brittany went on to explain how the events of the prior week (the stabbing of the young woman on the bus, the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and yet another school shooting) led her to consider how short life was and how it could end in an instant. This, in turn, led her to consider what would happen to her three daughters if she were to meet an untimely demise. And after considering it, she realized that the only thing she could truly control in this world is where she and her children would spend eternity. Hence the reason Brittany returned to Church and vowed to serve Jesus from that day forward. Is that a beautiful story or what?

"But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel," Philippians 1:12

  

You can be sure that Brittany wasn’t the only person to choose to follow Jesus because of the horrific state of our world though. Reports of people seeking to know Jesus, specifically because of the death (martyrdom) of Charlie Kirk (who was one of His bold and courageous saints), are being seen around the world. Why? Because when someone is willing to die for their faith, people take notice. Just as they did with the apostle Paul, who was so on fire for the cause of Christ that he was willing to die for it as well, saying “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” These were the words of a bold and courageous follower of Jesus Christ who knew that whatever happened (whether he lived or died), it would turn out for his deliverance and, most importantly, "for the furtherance of the gospel." 

“For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.” Philippians 1:19-20

Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel, but with all boldness, voluntarily and joyfully offered his life for the magnification of Jesus Christ. Everything Paul did was done to point the lost to the Savior. There was not one area of Paul’s life that he held back in service to the Lord. Like many of the saints that have gone before, Paul even died for his faith. But you can be sure that his death was not in vain. Because of his bold and courageous stand to preach the Gospel no matter the cost, millions of people around the world have followed his example and are continuing to do so today.

So, don’t be ashamed of the Gospel my friend. Boldly preach it wherever you go and never compromise on the Truths laid out in the Bible. Live out your faith for others to see and follow God with your whole heart no mattter the consequences. You’ll not only inspire people like Brittany to seek Jesus in the same way, but will cause your brothers and sisters in Christ to be equally as bold.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessing of serving You in this life and in the one to come. Cause us to be so thankful for the gift of Salvation that we would tirelessly work to make Your Great Name known, even if it costs us our lives. Lord, help us to adopt the mindset of Paul and to consider dying in service to You the greatest honor we could ever receive. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!