Unless you have pulled the plug from all sources of outside information you are probably fully aware of the fact that the state of Texas has not been winning any popularity contests lately.

A few recent changes in our state laws have not gone over well with many in our country, at least with those who make all the noise. One law in particular was ground breaking and seemed to come out of nowhere. I don’t know where it will lead, but this recent fetal heartbeat anti-abortion law seems to be at the very least stirring up the fight-for-life pot.

For those of us born after Roe v Wade, we have grown up with abortion as the law of the land, and a law that I for one felt would never change. Now it seems other states may follow Texas’ lead. But my goal in bringing all this up is not to discuss politics but to point out one consequence of the new law and the resulting national reaction.

Have you noticed the price that must be paid to support this new law in the public square? I have read of several people being fired or ousted from their peer group just because they vocalized support for anti-abortion causes. Up till now the battle lines were pretty static, suddenly things get dynamic and having an opinion is dangerous.

Even the so-called ‘church of Satan’ is suing Texas to fight the law, claiming it steps on their religious freedom. Clearly the enemy is all in on this fight over the very lives of the most helpless in our society. As a follower of Christ I see stories like this and my heart echoes David’s words in Psalm 14.

“The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.” (Psalm 14:2-3)

David’s heart was often sorrowful because of the spiritual state of his people. He often felt surrounded by those that did not worship God. It is easy to say…

“Save, O LORD, for the godly one is gone; for the faithful have vanished from among the children of man. Everyone utters lies to his neighbor; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak.” (Psalm 12:1-2)

But we must remember that as long as God’s people pray in this land then His purposes can find root in the hearts of those that call on His name.

Even though David lost hope at times, he also always came back to praise and worship a God that does set aside a people for himself. David makes this proclamation in Psalm 16…”The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them!” (Psalm 16:2)

There are still heroes in the land, people willing to pray, to serve, to love, to stand up for the helpless regardless of the cost. There are Christians in Afghanistan, Ethiopia, North Korea, Vietnam, and other places where the enemy seems to have won, who are still following Jesus regardless of the cost. Take pleasure in their faith! Let it encourage you to keep your faith strong regardless of what you may encounter as you follow after Jesus.

Your friend in the Gospel,
Matt