Stand Up!

In the 2009 Ms. America pageant contest on Sunday Ms. California became runner-up due to the answer given to a question concerning same sex marriage. Judge number 8 asked the question, how do you feel about same sex marriage? Ms. California stood firm on her belief. Before answering she stated, “I don’t want to offend anyone,” but I believe marriage should be instituted between a man and a woman.” Judge number 8 became angry because he is openly gay and took it upon himself to disqualify Ms. California’s answer, which lowered her score considerably.

In taking a stance for what she believed in she lost the contest. Sometimes in life you may have to take a stance that is unpopular, but Godly. I am writing this blog not to focus pro or con on same sex marriage, but to encourage you to stand for what you believe in your relationship with Jesus. My daddy always says, “if you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.” The question I raise is will you stand for Jesus? , and be willing to place your dreams on the line. Or will you give in for the sake of the status quo?

In 1Kings 18:36-38, Elijah while standing on Mount Carmel stood against 450 prophets of Baal. The other prophets who were suppose to stand with him left fleeing for their lives. Yet, Elijah stood alone, and when he called on the Lord, God answered Him with Fire. Elijah stands and is deemed victorious, because he didn’t buckle while under pressure, he stood up for his beliefs and displayed great confidence in God.

I applaud Ms. California, for standing up for her beliefs. In her interview on the Today Show, Matt Lauer asked, “would you answer the question differently if given another chance?” Ms. California stated, “ my answer would be the same, even if it means giving up becoming Ms. America.” What are you willing to give up for the sake of your Christian values and beliefs? Ms. California loss the contest, but I believe greater things are ahead.

Stimulate your Relationship with Christ

What a great time to stimulate your relationship with Christ. The idea that Christ made it clear before His death "destroy the temple and in three days I will raise it up." This is significant because it demonstrates He knew his situation would be temporary.

This is encouraging to all who are feeling defeated, dejected, and experiencing despair, it's not over. Your grave experience is temporary and serves as a means to your greater purpose and ultimately propelling you to your destiny. I encourage you to predetermine in your mind this thought "it's not over until I win."

Get up and defy what has gripped your life in an attempt to hold you down. Remember expect, embrace and experience victory.


Pastor Christopher Chappell