America is currently in a state of confusion. We’re looking for someone to rescue us—to make it all better by addressing the injustices of the moment. When no viable leader emerges we tend to gravitate and/or settle for the second best thing, which leads to even more confusion and issues (i.e. our current presidential race). What would have happened in history if certain biblical characters had decided to take a backseat when God presented them with Holy Spirit-ordained moments? What if Moses flatly told God, “Sorry dude. I stutter, lack confidence, and I’ve got a lot of baggage that prevents me from believing in myself…..I can’t lead your people out of Egypt.” What if Noah told God, “I know you want this big boat contraption but I don’t have the supplies, a building permit, not to mention-what’s the rain stuff you keep talking about?…..you’ll just have to find someone else.” What if Mary responded, “Look God, I’m flattered you want me to birth your son but I’m not ready to deal with all that gossip and drama others will shoot in my direction.” History, as we know it, would be altered forever…and not necessarily in a good way. [Please don’t take my musings as being sacrilegious. They are not meant to be.]
When I was debating this subject matter David came to mind. You know, the sheep herder with an affinity for the harp. Instructions from his father to carry cheese sandwiches to his brothers turned into something altogether different. While there he experienced what he referred to as an uncircumcised Philistine [1 Sam. 17:26] disrespecting God’s army. Until this point everyone was too afraid to attempt to take on this bully. In that moment I envision a Holy Spirit-inspired boldness rose up in him. He realized passivity wasn’t going to make this go away. He could have left without doing anything yet he chose to step forward in spite of adversity. The rest is history. That moment was the stepping stone to the throne that had already been ordained/prophesied as his. Truth be told, none those mentioned above were smart/talented/capable enough to accomplish those God-sized feats on their own. Everything they accomplished was through guidance and assistance from God. Here’s my point. This blog is about stepping up to the plate. When we experience injustice, we need to address it! When we desire to see change, we need to get involved! Sitting on the side lines in the ‘status quo’ section only makes us a part of the problem. Being an agent of God-ordained change begins when we repond as Isaiah did, “…Here I am. Send me!” [Is. 6:8] Just a few things to remember about becoming an agent of change—
~It’s about trusting our God-led instincts and acting when a moment presents itself.
~It’s about believing in God’s ability to see us through rather than focusing on our fear.
~It’s about stepping out into the unknown when others sit idly by spewing their ‘shoulda, coulda, woulda’s.’
~It’s about trusting in the Lord with all your heart and not leaning on your own understanding.
No battle is ever easy. But it’s time for the people of God to put on their armor and fight for what is right. Will we let those ‘moments’ pass us by, or will we follow God’s leading and fight for things that line up with His Word?
Closing remarks and encouragement: Leaders must step forward when everyone else is stepping back. Some of us may not like calling ourselves a leader but, if we’re Christians, leading is in our DNA. We step back because we don’t want the hassle or the responsibility. How do we bring change? That’s a personal conversation we must have with God. But it’s time to get to work! Being an agent of change is a choice. What decision will you make?