Recently I was listening to a podcast sermon from Bethel. It was one of those times where I could just feel God really speaking to me. For a while now I have felt like I have been going through each day on autopilot, I have become acutely aware of this for quite some time but have yet to make any changes. So on one of my long drives from Plentywood to Bozeman I started listening to this one. The teacher used an analogy that really struck me, especially giving my passion for aviation. It went something like this:
A test pilot was flying a high altitude aircraft. During his flight he noticed something was wrong. Upon investigation he realizes that a rat was chewing on the electrical system. By the time he discovered the rat, he feared there was not enough time for him to be able to land the plane. Instead of descending, the pilot took the plane higher. He brought it up to an altitude where oxygen was too thin and killed the rat. In the same way, Churches must take the plane higher. By landing the plane, you will only save the rat! We have become a generation where the church seems to be falling asleep, allowing corruption in with an acceptance that this is just the way things are. We don't want to offend anyone or rock the boat. We want to blend in and so we keep quiet. But the bible IS offensive! Many people will fight to tear you down and bring the plane crashing. But never forget that the true rat is not flesh and blood, but the rat is the enemy within the spiritual realm waging war against us!
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything." James 1:2-4
"That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:10
"However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name." 1 Peter 4:16
So be bold in Christ! Go higher and proclaim his glorious Name louder and prouder!