How can we stand for God?

           Acts 2:14

   This is one of the popular bible stories Christians know, how the disciples were baptized in the Holy Ghost and the supernatural things that began to happen in their lives and ministries after their encounter with the Holy Ghost. But after they impacted the Holy Ghost, they began to manifest to the power of the Holy Ghost through speaking in tongues in Acts 2:1-4.

  In the same Acts 2:6-13 the people were amazed and marveled because they speak in different languages, and in verse 14 the bible made it clear that others stood up to mock their encounter with the Holy Ghost, that they were drunk until Peter also stood up  to defend his undeniable encounter and grace he received from the Holy Ghost which led to the conviction of souls to the kingdom of God in verse 41

  Christians today are seated while evil is standing boldly and taking over in our world. The manifestation of the Holy Ghost in the lives of the children of God is mocked daily, gifts meant for kingdom advancement in saving the lost souls that died mysteriously and much more damage but even at that Christians are not moved to stand up to defend their faith in God.

  There is this mentality among so-called Christians that Christianity is a religion of geniality, but the truth is that it is also a religion of standing up and defending the faith anywhere and at any time with boldness and power.

  The teachings of the bible do not entertain intimidations of any kind, but to be proud of the gospel for being part and partaker of it. So, why cannot this present Christianity be proud of their faith and also learn from these great founding fathers and mothers of the faith who changed the world by standing up for God? Think about:

1. Mary Slessor of Scotland in1876 at the age of 28 left the comfort of her family and nation to Nigeria in Calabar state to stand up for the gospel and she stopped the killing of twins. It wasn't easy for her but God backed her up because she stood up for Him. 

  2. Jonathan Edwards from 1703 to 1758 stood up for God in his generation. A preacher who led by example a great revivalist. One of his sermons that is still turning souls to Christ is about sinners in the hands of the angry God. He lived for God and stood up for Him even till the end of his life. 

3. Archbishop Benson Idahosa was also a man who stood up for God in Benin the headquarters of witchcraft. At first, it was a suicide mission but he stood for God, conquered for God and God's name was established in Benin because of him. A man who represented God and stood for him anywhere, any place, and at all times.

4. Watchman Nee was also a great evangelist who passed through a lot in his nation china because he stood up for God. He was jailed and tortured for his Christian faith but it never stopped him from standing up for God.

  There are so many of them that I could not mention their names here, but the most important thing is that God never faces disappointment in them. They sacrificed everything for God and stood up for him at all times and today the legacy they left behind is still speaking and still standing up for God.

  So, what about you my fellow Christan brethren? Can God be proud of you for being a true son and daughter to Him? Are you a fair-weather child of God, God is good when things are good but God is unfair when things are going bad. 

  Where are we to stand up for our faith in God?

1. Home

  The little Joseph in the bible showed us what it means to stand up for God at home because when his brethren were going astray, he could have joined them but he maintained his stand for God. 

 Thus, you might say it is because his father loved him more than his elder brothers, but come to think of it, every true father loves his child and also doesn't wish to father a problem child. Joseph's brothers were a big problem to their father and his health Genesis 37:2

  Once you are truly born again and fully decide to live for God, the first people that will know is from your home. They will know a lot has changed about you since you started with Jesus, and a challenge on your faith will come and you will be expected to stand up for your faith in Christ. 

  Joseph's brothers could not cope with him because of his faith. He was so much into it that they had no choice but to sell him off into slavery Genesis 37:27-28

   Mind you hatred will come from family members when refuse to stand with them in evil. But standing up for God pays.

2. School

  Many young Christian brethren are afraid and shy to stand up for God in their schools. Afraid of what people will think of them. Afraid of losing their friends if they stand up for their faith and because of that they hide their identity to play along with them.

  Daniel and his friends stood up for God at the Babylonian school. Even though there were students they didn't forget who they were and what they represented. And God never fails nor forsakes them too.

 There is no excuse you will give to God that made you not stand up for Him and tell others about Him. 

  Today, we have demon-possessed teens and youths in school and they are seriously working and populating hell. It is very difficult to hear a possessed student get different from a fellow student who is filled with the power of the Holy Ghost, but you can easily hear of a Christian who got possessed in a school. Does it mean God's children do not know how to possess fellow students to populate heaven? 

  The truth is that we are not truly convinced nor fully accepted Jesus as our Lord and personal savior.      

   Wait, are you sure of your salvation? If not, the opportunity to accept Jesus into your life as your Lord and Savior is now.

3. Office  

  God also wants Christians to stand up for Him in their place of work, not just only at home but also at their offices.

  Daniel stood up for God rather than his work. He did not play with his relationship with God but diligently sought the face of God. Daniel's colleagues at work were envious of him because he rewarded faithfulness unto God and man, they tried to set him up but they could not according to Daniel 6 

  And they tried to get him through his faith. They persuaded the king to make orders that nobody should pray or worship any other God except the king for thirty days in verses 6 to 9

  These modern Christians will shamelessly sleep with their bosses just to secure a big position in the office today. An organization in one African country offers job opportunities to many young Christian brethren if only they deny their Christian beliefs which some did to get employed. 

   If Daniel could take this bold step not minding putting his life at risk, you and I can do the same by standing up for God in our place of work.

4. Anywhere, any place, and at all time

   It's never easy but with God it is. Anywhere or any place you find yourself stand up for the gospel of Christ.