Day 19: For the Next Generation

Is cyber bullying just for kids?

Until this weekend, I would have said “yes”. It’s funny, Jody and I have been teaching students (and especially our daughters) for years to be bold in their faith, to be unashamed to be a Christian. I have always tried to teach the girls to walk out their faith, regardless of the cost. I think God wanted to remind us this weekend of the cost we call our students and children to. Not that we would teach them any other way, but God used a painful reminder to help us be more compassionate when we’re encouraging them to live godly lives in an ungodly culture.

Saturday, Jody and I were “made fun of” for our walk with Christ. It feels strange just saying it, but was nonetheless painful. I won’t disclose the exact questions posed on Facebook, which came from friends I’ve had since high school; but will say there were questions posed about our sex life and our conservative beliefs. I have to say when Jody called me over to read the posts, I was shocked. I just stood there speechless. The shock quickly turned to anger, which was just masking the pain I felt. I’ve wanted to breakdown several times, but keep hearing God say “they’re persecuting me, not you.”

I processed it for about 36 hours. I’d be presenting myself in the wrong light if I didn’t say there was part of me that wanted to lash back or shut down Facebook completely. BUT, as He so faithfully does, God led me straight to His Word. I read 2 Timothy 3:12 in tears this morning. Paul, who certainly knew about persecution says, “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Then I was reminded of another Scripture I studied last week in a Beth Moore study. Luke 10:16 says, “He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.” The teaching was on the transfer of persecution. Beth Moore talks about how God is essentially saying, ‘Don’t take rejection personally. Let ME take it for you.’ WOW!

I love the way He prepares us for what lies ahead. I love the way He loves! Who else would daily be willing to take on all of our stuff, our burdens, and fight for our hearts? Thank GOD He never grows weary.

As I told Haleigh this morning on the way to school, God knew we needed the reminder to have compassion for the students we work with, especially when we’re asking them to bold in their faith. We need to always remember that Jesus told us there would be a price, and at times our faith will lead to persecution from people we trust or love. That persecution hurts deeply, but it doesn’t mean we back down or hide from what we believe. It simply means we call on Him to give us the strength and the grace to live as He calls us to live.

There were many, many years I didn’t walk with the Lord. I have a lot of ugly battle scars and lived buried in shame for far too long. I love the song “Heal the wound, but leave the scar”. I never want to forget what He’s done for me. How could I ever hide from what I believe? How could I ever be ashamed of a God that has healed every wound and restored me to a place I never dreamed He could? Our women’s group passed around a comic that had a picture of Satan saying, “Oh hell, she’s awake again!” He’s ruthless at times and knows the damage that is done when persecution comes from friends or family, but we have to stay focused on His grace and trust that HE provides the life that threatens Satan. We just have to let Him live through us.

Lord, I love you more than life! Thank you for the painful but necessary reminders we need. Maybe to show more compassion, maybe to offer grace in a situation, to be humble, or maybe to remember the task we put before our children daily isn’t an easy one. Your Word never returns void. Thank you for the Word you gave us today, the truth that living a godly life will bring persecution. God, give us the strength to face the world today, to honor and glorify you with every word, every thought, and every deed. In Jesus Name, Amen.

(FYI... Jody is out sick for a few days, but will be back as soon as he's well. =))