Of course, They already know everything about me, I have no doubt. Still, if I was not allowed to be a Christian, how would my life be different? Would I read my Bible somewhere else, instead of in the front room near the big window? Would I ask the Bible study ladies to park further away from the house? How about Alexa? She hears everything, so get rid of her? But then I recently learned that even our modern kitchen appliances have ears. Not surprising, as we like to turn on the oven with our phone while still at work. That WiFi stuff goes worldwide.
Then there is star link, an internet service available out in the boondocks, via satellites. So, if you get bored while hiking mountains, you can always play a video game. Or if you fall off a cliff, you can text SOS and they’ll come and get you. The device would already have put out your location to whoever is watching… So, who cares where I am, and what I do, or read? Yeah, that might be called conspiracy theory. And we really have no idea for sure. But when I read or listen to the news, I hear scary things, like taking away the charitable status of churches. According to Al, “charitable organizations are non-profit groups dedicated to philanthropy and social well-being”. Social wellbeing is a very individual term and depends totally on your world view. Do you see the world through God’s eyes, or Satan’s? So, when it has been decided by Them that a church does not fit that category anymore, it might easily lose that status in the future: It’s the start of a long and slippery slope. In the thirties that slope caused the death of 6+million Jews.
Totally unimaginable? Sadly enough, no. We just have to look at other countries. More than 380 million Christians suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith (Open Doors). North Korea is on top of the list, with China a close second. In some countries all protestant churches have been forced to close, leaving none that can be targeted for closure (Algeria). So, what do the Christians do in those countries? If that were true for your area, how would you live? I need the encouragement of other believers, I need fellowship. Start a coffee shop get-together? But be careful not to use the same A&W every week, and talk about knitting scarves or cars when others come close?
We have been so spoiled and thereby have taken for granted our liberty to worship. And yes, They exist, but our God is greater!! Yes, They can hear us talk in our homes and in our cars, at Timmy’s and at A&W. He hears the whispered prayers in our hearts, He can create a storm and take wifi out. Our Lord can bring millions of Jews through the sea on dry land, He can fight for us, though He does not promise us a bed of roses. “Be strong and courageous, for the Lord your God is with you.” (Joshua 1:9)
Alida Van Polanen was born in the Netherlands in 1952. She became an RN, and after a vacation to this side of the ocean, she applied to emigrate in '74 and never looked back. She is married to a Dutchman and has aised three girls, one adopted son and
numerous foster children, and they are now grandparents to 8 grandchildren. She facilitates women's Bible studies. She has written weekly kid’s Bible studies in a local newspaper. She has had cancer three times, but still has a head full of hair. God isn't finished with her yet, she says. http://gal-heapofstones.blogspot.com/
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