Stand Firm

2024 is poised to be one of the most volatile in U.S. history.

By GFI board member, Mark Woita

This is true particularly because 2024 is an election year with two candidates unlike any in our history.  We now have an entrenched deep state and a corrupted justice system and media.  The Left has taken a “Never Trump” stand, and will go to ANY lengths to ensure he does not get elected.  Big Tech has enormous power and influence … and is part of The Left.  We also face AI, TikTok, CRT, DEI, war in Europe and the Middle East, and a potential war with China over Taiwan. 

I could go on.  And I’m sure you could add many to this list.  

So, dear fellow Christian, how should we think and behave considering the above? 

I believe that the U.S.A. had an amazing 250-year period where we were a nation primarily founded upon, and we lived under a Christian ethos.  This Christian worldview permeated our people, and thereby our culture.  Thus, God blessed our country and our people … both Christians and non-Christians.  We lived under His common grace, “He makes the rain fall on the just and the unjust.”  It was relatively easy and pleasant for Christians and others to live in such conditions.  We were the envy of the world.  

Sadly, it is not so anymore.  What is sad about it?  First, because it removes glory from our Father who delights in blessing his children, and receiving thanks, praise, and love from them.  Second, all people suffer when living in a decaying and depraved culture.  And third, for we Christians, we must transition from living relatively comfortably and unpersecuted in our culture to being the objects of persecution. 

Who amongst us Christians, who were born and raised in the U.S., have any experience of living in a non-Christian culture, and being persecuted for our faith?  Very few.  Now we must learn.  We must learn how God would have us live under such different conditions. 

So, what are some of the key, primary things to learn?  Let me suggest a few.

First, that God is in control.  Knowing that God is sovereign is a great comfort!  Corrie Ten Boom wrote, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”  The Book of Revelation foretells that in the End Times, horrific events will occur.  One-third of the world’s population will suffer and die.  But it is in God’s plan and control.  We are called to be faithful stewards in all conditions.  Please read Psalm 37.  Then read it again. 

Second, it is a Biblical truism that a Christian’s spiritual growth is prodded by several things, including growing in the knowledge of His Word, fellowship with Him and His Body, and … suffering.  Dang.  I don’t like that part.  But what does God’s Word teach us?  “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4)  Consider it all JOY …  KNOWING that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  Suffering is a major tool that God uses to remind us that we are not to love this world, but the one to come (1 John 2:15-16).  Suffering drives us to Him, the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-8).  Suffering for Jesus, for following Him and His ways, regardless of the cost, leads us to spiritual maturity, to becoming more like Jesus (1 Peter 3:8-17). 

Third, please read the “Hall of Fame” of great believers throughout history listed in Hebrews 11.  These saints modeled great faith and endurance, and we rightfully hold them up as heroes.  But as you read, note the physical outcomes of their faith … quite horrific!  These great heroes of our faith suffered unbelievably on this side of eternity.  On the other side of eternity, their rewards, comfort, and joy in the presence of our Lord is immeasurable. 

Hebrews chapter 11 is followed by chapter 12, where we Christians are exhorted to:  “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us [the saints of Hebrews 11], let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us RUN WITH ENDURANCE the race that is set before us, FIXING OUR EYES UPON JESUS, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the JOY set before Him ENDURED THE CROSS, DESPISING THE SHAME, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For CONSIDER HIM WHO HAS ENDURED SUCH HOSTILITY BY SINNERS AGAINST HIMSELF, SO THAT YOU DO NOT GROW WEARY AND LOSE HEART.”  [Caps mine for emphasis] 

Brothers and sisters in Christ, fix your eyes upon Jesus, His Word, His Body, and put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6) … and stand firm!