“If you take an honest survey of the New Testament, you see that the Kingdom of God did not advance under convenient, comfortable, controlled environments or accommodating circumstances. Quite the opposite! It grew and thrived under immense persecution, great suffering and during extremely difficult and uncertain times. For the early apostles and disciples, living out the image and mission of God didn’t take a backseat based on what was going on in the world around them. Their followship of Christ wasn’t a flexible “add-on” to their life, it was their life… their very identity. So, I have to believe a worldwide pandemic would not have sidelined them whatsoever – and neither should it sideline us! If we allow this pandemic to purge the DNA of discipleship from our identity and lifestyle (growing in Christ, learning from Christ, surrendering to Christ, going for Christ), we are no different than Esau who traded his birthright for a single meal. We have a choice. Our discipleship can be characterized as those who “shrink back”, just waiting to return to familiar rhythms, traditions and rituals. Sometimes we shrink back because we’re tired of persevering. The cost of following Jesus just doesn’t seem worth it in light of present hardships. BUT we can choose NOT to shrink back and let our discipleship be characterized by faith as those who “preserve their souls.” We can choose to grow abundantly, to love one another in increasing measure, and we can maintain steadfastness and faithfulness through every and all affliction. Don’t shrink back ladies! Don’t return to simply being a consumer of religious goods/services. Don’t just nurture your physical family while neglecting your spiritual family. Don’t just do what “feels” easy and comfortable. Be in the fight to maintain steadfastness. Get those religious goods/services IN you to move THROUGH you, benefiting others. Connect with and nurture your spiritual family, and learn to get comfortable in the uncomfortable. You can host an online Bible study or prayer group or connect with ladies for mentoring/accountability. You can give that woman God keeps placing on your heart a call. Let your faith result in committed action, allowing nothing to prevent you from continuing to advance God’s Kingdom! And never forget another thing a survey of the New Testament reveals – if God doesn’t allow the persecution, we will never get out of “Jerusalem” (Acts 8). So, keep moving forward ladies because Scripture is clear, “my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” Shrinking back is NOT a viable option!”
