As we approach Christmas I think back to the era when Jesus was born. Times were rough. He was the light that shown in difficult times. The strange thing is that when Jesus ascended the storm worsened, yet for His followers He remained the light that shown in their days.

His followers stood up to the wrong teachings of the Jewish leaders as well as to the idol worship of the gentiles. No matter what threat or beating or arrest was thrown at them they stood strong. In other words, they had a backbone.

Looking at today and all the craziness – strange weather, truth smothered or ignored, leaders changing positions – I feel we are living in similar days.

Some say things are just going to get worse and Jesus will be returning soon. An exciting thought. Others say that God is going to put a stop to it and fire up a world-wide revival so that He will be honored widely again. Another exciting thought.

What if both of these theories are right? What if things get worse while God’s power ignites a revival across the nations? We won’t be able to stand idly by… we will be drawn onto one path or the other.

I see one path as smothering the light that Jesus offers. While the other allows the light of Jesus to shine through us. So, a question arises for each of us… are we like the early followers of Jesus? Do we have a backbone? Do we have the gumption to keep our eyes on Jesus or will the craziness of the world smother what light we do have?

I will confess, in my earlier years I did not always have a backbone and would shift my position based on the arguments given. Presently, my focus has been on Jesus and maintaining a backbone has become easier.

No matter what the days ahead may bring I know God will use it to get His plan accomplished. Being prepared to give an answer… to stand up for Jesus… that’s our way of being prepared to receive the Messiah when He returns. (Matthew 25:1-13)

Remember – with Jesus – there is always hope.