Egypt seems to be the center of attention these days. Hillary Clinton just recently visited the country and caused a greater rift between the people of Egypt and America's government. Many ask, "Why should she have any say about the internal affairs of Egypt?" "Leave that to the Egyptians." "We aren't coming to America to tell her how to run their democracy." Part of me agrees, we wouldn't accept it very well either.
Its been a very different experience being here in Egypt while all of this goes on, and actually hearing from the people here. My view of things here changed so much. Before I knew only what the news said. I viewed all the information through an American filter. As I've talked with people here I've been able to see things from a new perspective. To how things, maybe, really are. I have to ask myself a question. What would Democracy mean for Egypt? The only answer I can come up with is a religious state. A very bad, oppressive, freedom taking, Christian persecuting state. As the military holds on to power, Christians and non-Christians are cheering them on. They know the possibilities of what a Democracy here could mean. A nation run by the people would mean that one group gets its way, because they are the overwhelming majority. That leaves Christians with not much to look forward to as far as freedoms in their country are concerned. And so the battle goes back and forth. Hope rises and hope fades, but is there something more for the Christians here in Egypt?
Last Sunday I was able to bring a message of hope to a small church gathering. A church that could not legally call themselves a church because of Christians lack of freedom here. In a country with persecution and oppression for Christians I brought a message of hope. Hope in the unseen not the seen. The seen in the world is often dark and depressing, lacking of any hope. But we know Someone who is rich in grace, rich in mercy and full of hope. That even in a dark time there is something more going on behind the scenes. In many places Christians are rejoicing, praising, praying, finding hope, and building unity together as the body of Christ. But there are many who are depressed, cast down, pessimistic. I understand their despair as I've talked with many Christians about the future of Egypt and its radical leader. But I refuse to agree with it. I refuse to believe there is no hope. I know the One who holds tomorrow in His hand.
I didn't only bring a message of hope. But I asked the question, what will you do with hope? Will you just keep it and live another day like the last? Or will you do something with that hope? There are many "Christians" here who need a realization of the simple gospel. That Jesus died, rose again and lives in Heaven. That the penalty for sin has been paid, we are free. We no longer live under any bondage. And there are many non-Christians who need the gospel. This simple truth of Christ death and resurrection and all that that means can pierce any heart. Even in the Middle East, even in Egypt, even in Cairo. The gospel of Jesus Christ cannot be limited by humans and what we think can be done. But God sees beyond what we can and we must begin to ask for Heavens perspective. To view the world around us as a field ready for the harvest. That many are ready for harvest, some need to be watered and some need to be planted. Our job is simply to go, preach, make disciples in all the world. Every fear, every discomfort, every excuse we can come up with means nothing. God is not interested in our excuses, He is interested in our obedience. That call is not for some who are gifted, or young, or bold, but for all. In the streets of a small town to the crowded avenues of a large city. We have the opportunity to earn a piece of heaven. To walk streets of gold with those we shared the gospel to, with those we've discipled, with those we interceded for.
And so my work goes on. Whatever God has. Maine, NYC, Hawaii, Cambodia, Egypt. He's called me around the world but with one thing on my heart. To see the nations bow before the King of Kings. To see love poured out on the poor, the needy, the orphans, and the widows. To see the hurt of people lifted if only for a time as I talk with them and encourage them. As they see the light in my eyes and it catches in theirs for even just a moment, they are affected. They suddenly realise that God sees them. He brought me, from Madawaska, Maine (the middle of nowhere) to share with people in Cairo, Egypt. I don't understand, but I have something to bring. I have something to share. What do you have? How has God gifted you? How can you further the kingdom where you are?
