Wrestling

     Today, my husband handed me a book.  He thought it might encourage me; it is.  I am a wrestler, my daughters have coined me a "Jacob" of sorts.  I do not go down easily.  I fight!  This is a character trait that at times I believe challenges others in ways they don't appreciate and in some ways I also struggle with the intensity of my wrestling.  Observing life, specifically people and waiting for God to move in ways I see fit or visible I often am in a place of discontent. (please read on before desiring to correct this!)
     The book placed in my hands is:  "The Last Christian on Earth", it's written by Os Guinness.  I've yet to finish it, but I like where it's going.  I like what it is identifying, I like that it is confirming . . . of  the struggle.  The reality of the overtaking of Christianity in a subtle frog in the boiling pot sort of way is alarming.  The fact that it is so subtle and few realize they are being boiled is disturbing to say the least.   We've given in, we've compromised, we've gone under.  I often think of the phrase, "She's undone" and that is where the church in America finds herself, unclothed and naked. 
     The soul of our faith of what is true in Christ is now strewn on the altar of busyness, fun, materialism and rationalization.  Even as I pen these words I wonder how many truly will see how we have compromised our commitments.  Far too many churches are closing there doors because the "faithful" have left to play or become distracted by good causes.  Good causes without Christ.  It is Christ that brings the power of the gospel unto salvation.  It is Christ that transforms us.  Rather than knowing the gospel or living it, we speak of what we don't grasp and the world knows it.  We are largely ineffective because we have forgotten what makes us effective.  We think by declaring things it makes it so and we leave comforted by our good words.
     As I hear and see the bleeding of the church in America throughout the country I grieve.  I wonder how many will leave with as many reasons as one could imagine that speak of a lack of integrity of commitment or love.  Yes, I am troubled.  In conversations with other leaders they are saying the same thing.  They are witnessing a sad page in church history in America.
      As I said before I am a "Jacob".  I am wrestling.  I cannot quit, I am unable to give up the fight.  But I would love more to engage in the battle, to pick up their swords, put on their breastplates, shod their feet and become aware and sober minded. I am thankful for those who are engaged, who pray and commit to the work of transforming submission.  I praise God that I know the truth of where all of this is going, but dear people it is time to wake up!  We are in a war, every one who testifies to belief in Christ is needed, every one who says Jesus is Lord is required to battle.  Do you hear the bugle blast?  Do you feel in your soul the need to be on alert?  Are you alarmed?