Sunshine Christians

"These things I [Jesus] have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

Thomas Paine was an English American writer and pamphleteer whose "Common Sense" and other writings influenced the American Revolution, and helped pave the way for the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Payne wrote a pamphlet - the analogue version of social media in 1776 - called "The Crisis". The goal in the pamphlet was to encourage anyone who might be wavering on their commitment to the Cause.  In the Crisis, he called those whose loyalty faded with the changing seasons "Sunshine Soldiers".  They were "all in" when things were going well when there was little risk. But when times were hard - when things seemed to be turning against them they would make themselves scarce. 

Being a Christian does not shield you from the troubles in this world. But being a Christian does give opportunity to persevere in the face of your afflictions. There are some who are "Sunshine Christians" who want all the "perks" of being a Christian - but fade in their faith in the face of trouble. Rather than draw close to other Christians who might encourage them in their faith, they run to their "cave" like Elijah. 

As Job dealt with his great losses - it is interesting that they covered the gambit - financial loss, death of loved ones, loss of possessions, loss of personal health, even his friends turned against him. The only things he had left was his life and his wife. And she told him to curse God and die. Satan wanted to prove to God that Job was a faithful to God only when times were good. That Job had a Sunshine faith. Job's response to all of that?

"Though He slay me, yet will I trust [or serve] Him."- Job 13:15

Listen, we all struggle with the troubles that living in a sinful world can bring. The question is - "How are we going to respond?" Job was able to respond the way he did because of his devotion to God. That his hope was in the Father and not on the temporary circumstances of this life. Things happen in this life that can emotionally crushing. Wanting us to run to our "cave". And the Lord will ask us - like He did Elijah - "What are you doing in the cave." The litmus test for the strength of our faith is when tragedy comes our way do we look up or do we look around. My encouragement to you is this.

"... up [your] eyes to the hills— From whence comes [your] help? [Your] help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The Lord shall  preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore." - Psalm 121

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone