https://odb.org/MY/2023/06/04/courage-to-stand-for-jesus
We have written lately in these pages that Christian life is not a bed of roses. Mainly because we are human like any other and will face storms and valleys as we get to experience mountain tops and beautiful sunrises and sunsets. One of the other reasons why there is suffering in the faith is that there will be times when we may need to make a stand for Jesus. So, for example, if an organisation believes in giving bribes to get things done, we ought to protest, and if our protests fall on deaf ears, we must consider leaving and in the process will suffer the consequences of our stand. However, we also know that if we stand for Christ, Christ will likewise stand with us. We know that we are not alone in making the stand for God. https://ronnielim.com/2023/05/26/god-stands-with-us/
When we read about Peter, we realise that at the crucial moments before Christ’s crucifixion, Peter denied Christ three times and we know that Peter wept realising that at those moments, He didn’t have the courage to stand for Christ. In terms of timing, it was the right thing to do because if he had admitted to knowing Christ at those moments, he could have prematurely been matryed together with Christ. There is a time for everything. That’s true, but it exposed the human weakness of not having the courage and boldness to stand for Christ. Also, Peter did not have the power of the Holy Spirit, who came and filled the believers 50 days after the Passover (roughly 49 days after the crucifixion of Christ) on the day of Pentecost.
There will be times when it is not appropriate to make a stand for Christ, and there will be times when the timing is right, and even though we are prompted by the Holy Spirit, we are nevertheless afraid. Pray for the boldness to stand for Christ, knowing that as we stand for Him, He will stand for us. Do we dare to move out and pray for healing for people, with the confidence that God will heal that person? Do we dare to preach Christ crucified and resurrected as we make a stand for Him? Timing is everything, but if the timing is right, pray that we will have the courage to do the right thing and speak for Christ that He is the way, the truth and the life and that no one goes to the Father except through Him. He is the life and the resurrection. He is the way to eternal ife. He is the source of the living waters.
Blessed Sunday, everyone! Have a wonderful time celebrating the goodness of God in praise and worship!
Ronnie's Thoughts 