Session 28

Will you take a stand?

From 2 Chronicles: A 28-Day Devotional

Have you ever felt you should speak up or take a stand, but lacked the courage to do it? Maybe, your coworker was blaming someone else for her mistake. Or, you saw a student being bullied at school. Maybe, someone close to you was making fun of Christians or the church. When you feel the tug in your heart to do something, to say something, how did you respond?

When you feel the tug in your heart to do something, to say something, how did you respond?

Jehoiada, the priest, acted courageously by getting rid of the idolatrous ruler. He took a stand for what was right, even though it could have cost him his life. He restored the temple worship and anointed a new king. Confronting the king or queen with the demands of God’s law was the role of every priest. Unfortunately, too many backed down cowardly from this duty leaving only a few of them to make a difference. Jehoiada chose to be bold and courageous, to make a difference.

God calls us to a make a difference too, but we have an enemy whose mission is to stop us. Satan is the master at keeping us quiet and timid. He wants us to act cowardly so he can defeat, discourage and destroy our lives; inside our homes, our churches, our nation, and our world.

But God wants us to act boldly, taking a stand for what we know is right to make a difference in His name, the same way Jehoiada did. God calls us for a higher purpose than to sit back and be timid. We represent God with our actions, and if we ask Him, He will give us the courage we need to take a stand.

Reflect:

• What is one situation in your life now where God is calling you to speak out? 
• What is one step you can take today to act courageously in that situation?