Do Something Good

It has been said that “ "The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing."  We hear statements like that and nod our head in agreement.  We know that there is evil in the world... we condemn it on Twitter... we get into spirited discussions about it over dinner... but how many of us are doing anything to change things?  

The Bible tells us that we don’t have the option to stay indifferent.  In Romans 12:21 it says, “Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”  We serve a big God... and He’s stronger than anything bad the enemy could throw at us. It’s our responsibility to remember that... and be bold enough to stand up to those that want to do harm to others.   It may not be easy for us... but through God’s power and our willingness to be brave... good will ultimately win.  

Nothing

Mary Fasano’s parents pulled her out of eighth grade so she could work in a cotton mill in Rhode Island.  Fifty-five years later, she made a major decision.  She decided that she was going to go back to school to complete her education.  At 71, she completed her coursework and received her high school diploma… but she wasn’t done yet!  She signed up for Harvard University’s extension program and took one class at a time.  Week after week, she drove the twenty miles to the school… and did so for seventeen years!  In June of 2003, Mary Fasano graduated from Harvard at the age of 89.

Many called her crazy.

Many would have told her that her dream was impossible.

But what they forgot…?  Something is impossible ONLY until it is accomplished.

Mary lived her life by this truth from Matthew 19:26 “For nothing is impossible with God”

Today you may be facing something that nobody else believes in but you.   It’s a mountain that’s never been climbed… and achievement the world’s never seen… a way of doing something that’s never been done.  Be bold.  Read that verse above over and over until it weaves its way into the fabric of your heart.  You have been created for greatness… and your greatest competition is the status quo.  The odds of success mean nothing when you have God on your side.  He sets the odds.  He gets you through.  And He will equip you with everything you need to push onward.  Seize the day.  Take your dreams back from the critics because someday you will be dancing in victory while the doubters stand silent.  

In Good Company

A student studies hard...gets her degree... graduates at the top of her class...and people call her a genius.  An athlete trains every morning without fail... climbs to the top of his game... and people call him a champion.  A person accepts Christ, studies their Bible, shares their testimony,  stands boldly for Christ, cries for the hurting, gives to the poor, and regularly attends church, they are called... religious fanatics or Jesus freaks.   

Something’s not right.  

If you’ve ever stood up for Christ and were ridiculed... you are in good company...  Matthew 5:11-12 says "God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way"   

Be bold... stand up for Christ... don’t allow people with labels to stick one on you... you may not hear much applause for your efforts down here... but I can assure you, Heaven celebrates your boldness and God will reward and bless you for your commitment to Him!