The Politics of Fear… and HOPE!

Oh, Lord… How amazing it is to see the hardening of so many people’s hearts!  I see them and hear about them in nightly news broadcasts… and all over social media.

The raw footage of protesters expressing their free speech. Regrettably, many who are doing so with violent rhetoric and violent behavior. The quiet, yet fervent, assertions of others that we are headed for The End of Civilization As We Know It. The news anchors who pour gasoline on these fires.

Ostensibly, because of the outcome of our national election.  But closer to home, I see what is happening in the minds and hearts of people I personally know and love.

So much of it centers — at its core — on how people feel about You, Lord. And Your followers.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood…” (Ephesians 6:12)

I have actually heard words I never expected to hear coming out of the mouths of people I never expected would say them. Words that paint Your followers with one brush.

A brush that increasingly defines Christianity as white supremacy, racial bigotry and hate-filled tyranny over individual rights and freedom of Choice. A brush that paints the future as one to be feared because Christians in power are actually neo-Nazis or Stalinists in disguise.

REALLY???

“You will be hated by everyone because of Me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”  (Matthew 10:22)

I am seeing the days You warned us about coming to Life, Lord. The division of families, by an adversarial spirit that pits parents and children against each other. The increase of lawlessness… and, even worse, its justification. Because Black is becoming White, and Wrong is becoming Right.

And vice versa.

“When [the devil] lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44) 

The enemy knows his time is running out.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

Yet, these are also the days of GREAT HOPE… aren’t they, Lord?!  Because Light shines brightest in the darkness!  And You are…

Light Incarnate!

“[Jesus] said, ‘I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the Light of Life.'”  (John 8:12) 

Our Very-Present Helper!

“Resist the devil and he will flee. Come near to God and He will come near to you.” (James 4:7-8)

The Almighty God!

“You, dear children, have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

The Matchless Overcomer!

“Take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Holding tight (depending on You)…

Shining bright (hoping in You)…

Abba’s Girl

4 Comments

  • Debbie L says:

    Oh, this is so timely….Just incredible. The bullying…and these protests are so organized. The signs match, so you know these protests aren’t spontaneous. And funny, they happen when most of Americans are at work or enjoying their God-given right to enjoy their freedoms, their families, their homes and lives.

    • Diana Furr says:

      These are days that challenge us (Christ-followers) to be different from the world… to be voices of Truth amidst the lies… Truth spoken in love. A tall order in today’s cultural climate. The kind of challenge the Lord — by His Spirit — can empower us to meet.

  • LuAnn RUTHERFORD says:

    Beautifully written and so accurate. Thank you for spelling out the truth! God bless you, LuAnn

    • Diana Furr says:

      As we bring the Prince of Peace into our conversations — He is with us, IN us, after all — perhaps we can help dampen the vitriol and encourage dialogue. We each are responsible to choose His Way… not the way of our flesh, the world or the enemy… Amen?

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