As followers of Christ, each and every one of us has the opportunity to be a World Changer. Go to Judges 3:31 to read about a guy who changed his world in a crazy way. Shamgar made a choice and he became a hero. Being a World Changer for Christ means attacking the world with whatever “Oxgoad” that God has given you. It’s an all-out assault on the forces of darkness by being “Salt and Light.” It’s more than pointing out problems in the world, but rather committing ourselves to be a part of the solution. We need to be the hands and feet of Christ and change the world.
…an all-out assault on the forces of darkness by being “Salt and Light.”
Shamgar was a world changer for Israel, but who are some other World Changers in the Bible? Abraham, David, Saul/Paul, and Jesus just to name a few. Did any of these guys have it easy? No, they didn’t. When we make the decision to become followers of Christ and World Changers, we are consciously making the choice to give our lives to follow Christ. When we give our lives to follow Christ, it doesn’t mean the rest of our lives are going to be sunshine and roses. In the Book of John (15:18) Jesus tells us that the world is going to hate us. When someone hates you, they don’t try to make things easy for you. So this verse lets us know that our lives are not going to be easy.
The Bible actually tells us that suffering is a good thing. James 1:2-3 states that those different trials and suffering bring patience, endurance, and faith. According to Hebrews 11:24-27, Moses is considered one who persevered through trials. How did he do this?
We aren’t being beaten, arrested, or murdered for our Faith. Thankfully we aren’t persecuted in that way, but many of our Brothers and Sisters in other parts of the world are. If others can stand firm in their faith while facing death, we can certainly stand firm when it comes to facing our friends. Let’s take a look at someone who suffered a lot for Christ and became a world changer in 2 Corinthians 11:23-27. This scripture talks about all of the things that Paul was willing to do in order to be a Servant of Christ. We need to take a deep look into our lives and determine what we are willing to give up in order to become followers of Christ.
“take up his cross daily [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].”
– Luke 9:23-26 (AMPC)
So God says we have to be willing to suffer for our faith. Even though we are giving up our lives and suffering, we don’t have to do it alone. Hebrews 12:1-3 talks about those “witnesses” that have gone on before us and are cheering for us. We must also surround ourselves with people that will help us through our journey.
Confession for today: “Loving God, You made me who I am. I praise You and I love You, for I am wonderfully made in Your own image. Be with me, loving God, when people hate me, and help me to respond how You would want me to: with a love that respects others, but also respects me. And God, help me remember that Jesus loves me. For He was seen as an outcast, too. He was misunderstood, too. He was beaten and spat upon. Jesus understands me and loves me with a special love, because of the way You made me.”
Love and Nuggs,
Amanda
