Today's Devotional
November 1, 2006
Subject: Stuck In Iraq
1 Thessalonians 2:14 - 15 "For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews. Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men::1
Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts caused a political firestorm Monday when he made a statement to a group of college students that said "if you study and do well you can succeed otherwise you end up getting stuck in Iraq." That was a terrible statement to make without regard to what he meant, but I think it serves as a reminder that we aren't responsible for what we get "stuck in" as long as we are sticking with Christ.
I think that there is a common perception among Americans that if we have a tough fight, then perhaps we shouldn't fight it. If we lose American lives, it can't be worth it. I understand that from some Americans, but as for believers, we understand that oftentimes the fights are tough simply because we "are" standing for right. This is the persecution of the church. They did it to Jesus and it will surely happen to us in this world. However these enemies are enemies of God and that should give us comfort.
Today we are not just "stuck in Iraq." We're stuck in this world and because we are, we have a fight on our hands, unless we desire to cut and run. In that case, the fight simply goes on without us. Today join the spiritual war on terror and fight with your fellow "countrymen." You might as well. We're stuck in this world.
