A week ago, a personal post I wrote went viral and appeared in The Washington Post. As a public school educator who is also a Christian, and a faith writer with social media presence, I was scared.  

Because being a Christian isn’t popular and working as a Christian in public schools is more unpopular. But prayer and positioning myself behind the Lord as seen in Psalm 23 provided safety and security as I allowed my words to go bigger than my small group of safety.

And God was faithful.

A week later, there’s fear of another kind from the headlines of The Washington Post. The day after Super Tuesday leaves many Americans, especially Christian Americans, speechless. At least it does me.

Here are the only things I can say in response.

Every knee shall bow and tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10). Including world leaders, even outrageous ones. This brings comfort to me when I shake my head at the state of affairs. No matter who is in charge, they will answer to the one and only King of the universe.

As Christians, we’ve had privilege in this nation. But it’s not guaranteed. So be ready. We’ve been trying to “take back America” for forty years now, and our culture’s more pagan and hostile towards biblical Christianity. Are you shocked? Do you think freedom as a Christian is a right? Nothing in Scripture says American Christians deserve blessing and protection. If that’s the Christianity you’re hoping for, then you’ve signed up for the wrong gospel.

The other Christianity is more popular and culture-worthy, and will fit in with whatever political scene is upcoming. Remember, the anti-christ spirit will look and sound like the christ, but will not be Jesus, the Son of God–“I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” John 14:6.  Believing this gospel from the Bible and saying Jesus Christ is the only way is not popular in faith circles. Even Christian ones now. If you believe this gospel, it will soon be unpopular (it already is).

Be aware. Don’t pull into your shell and avoid what you really should be aware of. Ignorance is where the enemy wants Christ-followers. While you don’t need to dwell in fear, don’t ignore what may be coming up for you or your family. I was surprised at Jen Hatmaker ‘s response to the elections. There’s balance in going about your daily routines and focusing on what God is calling you to do–but there’s a time and place take serious what living faith looks like. There may be a day where looking at happy Instagram is avoiding the reality of what living a Christ-life looks like. Max Lucado says it well.

Be diligent in His word and positioning yourself behind the Sovereign God of the Bible. Psalm 23 is the perfect description of what life as a child of God looks like. It’s not just a day of sunshine, happy Instagram posts and 90’s music. It’s allowing yourself to walk behind Christ, where you trust in His leading so you can hear the still waters. It’s allowing Him to guide you in righteousness for His Name sake (none other). It’s walking through the valley of the shadow of death knowing He’s beside you the entire time–not avoiding it. It’s allowing Him to seat you in the presence of your enemies while He anoints you and allows your cup to overflow.

Hard times will come, Christian brothers and sisters. It’s biblical. It’s walking the path of the cross. But we are not to fear–instead, we are to allow Him to lead us, comfort us, anoint us and use us for His glory.

Be in prayer for what God is calling you to do. Are you raising a family? Then focus less on Pinterest and more on grounding your kids in Scripture and truth. Be diligent in walking out faith rather than fear. Do your kid see you do this now in the small areas? What will it look like if persecution does come on our own soil, from our leaders, from our churches, and peers? Are you prepared?

My experience last week taught me there’s risk in speaking truth. But I also learned how powerful it is to serve the Living God. That’s who we serve if you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. There needs not to be fear, but practical, real faith, walking out the promises of the Bible and positioning yourself behind your Savior.

Jesus says, “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name….but see to it that you are not alarmed…..At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be save.” Matthew 24:4-13

If you’re speechless like I am, then pull back. Not to happiness, turning a blind eye to the ensuing craziness, but into His word, in prayer, looking up to the heavens, for that is where our home is, and to Jesus Christ, our Savior.