Standing Strong [5/3/12]

Hello~

You know, everyday, I'm amazed at how much God has a hand in every aspect of my life. He is all over the place! He is a part of every conversation I have, a part of every action I take, and a part of every move I make. It is beautiful to see Him everywhere I go. Lately, I've been much more open about my faith. I've had many friends ask me about my faith, and I was very cautious at first... I didn't want them to judge me or think differently about me, so I would often sugar coat things.

I used to tell people, "Yeah, I'm a Christian, but I'm not one of those hard-core Christians." Well, guess what? I have now become what I used to define as a "hard-core" Christian. Yes, some of my relationships with non-believers have changed... People begin to treat me differently and think of me differently, but this is expected.


Matthew 10:22
"All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved."

We should expect for people to treat us differently, and even to hate us. I've seen this happen quite a bit to my sisters and brothers in Christ and even myself, but it is not something that should be stopping us from announcing our faith to the world! We should continue to preach the gospel. Having the world hate us should not stop us from loving Christ to the best of our ability. 


There are also many times when people will question us about our faith... They will ask us WHY.

1 Peter 3:15
^"15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect"

The other day, I met up with a friend I haven't talked to in a very, very long time. I think it's been about three years? Anyways, he actually asked me this exact question. He asked me, "Kristen, why are you a Christian?" 

There were many thoughts that entered my head at this moment... I had several options. I could kind of ignore it, and say "Why not?" Or, I could keep myself from being judged and say some very vague and foolish question... But God doesn't want me to hide any part of my faith. He wants us to tell people exactly why we believe! This doesn't mean he wants us to start an argument with every non-believer, and force them to believe in God! He wants us to be honest with them. I told my friend about what Jesus Christ had done for me... How my sins were forgiven... How God is waiting for me in Heaven so we may be together for all of eternity. 

I wasn't trying to convince my friend of anything, I was just telling him exactly what I believed. I think, if we're honest with people, there will always be people that hate us for what we believe, but there will also be the people who become intrigued by the way we live our lives, and our actions. People become interested, and they begin to ask more and more questions. I know this is one way that people come to know Christ. I personally want to open all doors for people to get to know Christ, so if God chooses to use me in this way to bring others to Him, then I will continue to stand strong in my faith! I will not hesitate when people ask me why I believe in Him. 

It's a scary thought... Thinking of how people will hate you for what you believe in. But, it's something I'm willing to sacrifice to have at least a few people get to know Him. I pray that he will give me strength... I pray that He will take away all of our fears of being judged and hated. 


Thank you for reading this post :) Here's the song I listened to today! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ohvhmGSfxI&ob=av2e

-kjoosaurus out!