I will admit to you that over the course of the past two years, I have been scared at times because of this blog. Scared of standing up for what I believe. Scared of what people will say and how they will perceive me. Scared of the criticism I would receive.
I know this blog has such a miniature impact in the blogging world, but it’s still my place where I share what I really feel and really believe. Therefore, it makes it very personal.
And then I think of my own father. He has preached for years now without backing down. He has withstood criticism and rejection both from within and without. And still held firm to the teachings of God’s Word.
I am reminded of our own pastor here in Idaho. He has received blow after blow from critics who would try to make him change his mind. Yet he continues to live out the Bible the way all Christians should.
And I think of my precious husband. He does not measure himself to what others think – something I fail in frequently. He has multiple times urged me to remember that unless someone can prove to me from the Bible where I am wrong, then I must not back down.
These men are my inspiration. They are willing to take a stand that goes against what the majority of American churches believe today. They know they will get critics down their throats, but they stand anyway.
So how can I, a simple wife and mother, do any different?
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
2 Timothy 4:3-4
I was given a link to a sermon by Paul Washer today that had me in tears. I’ve seen it described as the sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” . . . only to a younger generation. It is not a sermon that will make you feel good. It is not one that will “tickle your ears” as the verse above says. But it should be one that brings us all back to the Bible in repentance.
Even if you don’t have the time, make the time to listen to this sermon. You won’t regret it.
So even though I’ve been scared because of the criticism that has come from posting what I believe, I cannot say that I regret it. It has made me dig into the Word because of this urgency in my heart. I must know what I believe for the sake of not only my children, but that of my very own soul.
In just a few short days, I will have not five, but six children, Lord willing. Whether we open our mouths or not, my husband and I are teaching our little ones what we believe the Word of God says. They are going to come into contact with deceptive teachings that our generation has not yet fully seen. If they are not grounded in God’s Word, how will they know what is Biblical and what is not?
And as we stand with shaky knees, this is my prayer:
Dear mothers and fathers who, like me, are scared to take a stand . . .
“Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Galatians 6:9
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Sarah says
I thank God for your taking a stand for truth. Each time I see or hear someone stand or the truth and authority of God’s Word, it emboldens me to do the same. So I pray we may all continue to be strong in the LORD. Love in Christ!
Living in the Shoe says
And the same to you, Sarah!
Rebecca Byler via Facebook says
Your stand for truth has been inspiration to me many times and I am sure to many others also. I can see how writing a blog like this can make you feel very vulnerable to the opposition or criticism you might recieve, but don’t let it stop you from being true to what you know. Reading this has been an encouragement to me:) I am so thankful also for the godly ministers we have and for my own dear husband who see the need to stand up for the truth, no matter what. Blessings!
Lori says
Hello Kendra: I was led to your blog just a few weeks ago. Your posts are a new-found treasure to me. I have listened to Paul Washer via the internet but am wondering about which sermon you were referring in today’s post?
God bless your ministry to home-makers and lovers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Lori in Texas
Living in the Shoe says
Lori, I put it in the post, but sometimes it doesn’t show up. 🙁 It is the “Shocking Youth Message” of 2002. At least that’s what Youtube called it. I thought it was one of the best sermons I’ve ever heard!
Sandra Miller says
Paul Washer inspires me. He speaks forth-rightly, does not mince words, says it like it is. He does not resort to psychology to convince people. You know where he stands on issues when asked. This is so unlike moderns who believe we need to be soft in our approach to sin. Jesus never was. As I think about this I am convinced the modern day apostasy can be rooted in people becoming too soft for fear of being accused of being judgmental. And what do you have? People accommodating sin because ‘we do not know their heart!’ Jesus says by their fruits ye shall know them! God bless you, Kendra, as you teach you little ones to love TRUTH.
Caleb Jenkins says
Thanks for sharing this Kendra! I encourage you to keep sharing the truth of the word of God as he gives you strength!
Another favorite sermon of mine by Paul Washer is called Ten Indictments against the Modern Church in America – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7wzfvYkCW0
Living in the Shoe says
Thank you! I should have time to listen to that one in the next few weeks.
lostinavalonor says
Blessings to you, Kendra! Every one of us can meet a different need, depending on where God has us and what’s he’s doing in our personal situation. Just keep being the wonderful light that you are! I’m thankful we’re friends 🙂
Nicole C says
Thank you for sharing Kendra! I listened to the sermon, and passed it along on my blog as well. Bless you for taking a stand. 🙂
Joyce @ With Propriety says
Count criticism and persecution as a very good thing and evidence that you are doing what God desires…. If our life and speech never causes any ‘ripples’ and we claim to be a Christ follower – I believe that alone is evidence that something is very wrong….2 Timothy 3:12
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. Bless you this day!!!!