I WILL STAND STRONG 30 DAY CHALLENGESample

Spectator to Warrior 

We (the Benhams) have this buddy of ours who has amazing kids. He’s got eight of them. They all love Jesus and are all standing boldly for the Lord. 

We asked him what the secret to having kids that aren’t afraid to share their faith in the kind of culture we live in. His response floored us.  

“I send them out as sheep among wolves,” he said, quoting Christ’s words in Matthew 10:16. 

“All their lives I have taken them out to the roughest parts of the city and helped them share their faith with people who mistreat them and often threaten them.” He continued, “They now have a love for these types of people and a holy boldness to stand for the Lord.” 

That was humbling to hear, but it reminded us of how we were raised. Our dad was a leader in the pro-life movement back in the 80’s and 90’s. Those were the days when pro-lifers would get hauled off to jail. It’s not like that anymore. We saw our dad get manhandled by the police and screamed at and spit on by others. But he never once retaliated and always showed love.  

Those memories are etched in our minds of a man who decided that following Jesus meant he was going to get off the sideline and get into the game. He didn’t want to be a spectator Christian. He wanted to be fully engaged in the battle for the hearts and souls of people. It’s the same thing our buddy has taught his kids.  

There’s a very real battle between good and evil taking place. Good will always win, but it requires people who represent God to simply show up! Pray this bold prayer: "Lord, I pray you send me out as sheep among wolves. Give me the strength I need to resist the devil and to stand strong in my faith in You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen!"