MaryHuntWebb.com

When I started submitting articles and short pieces to magazines more than 40 years ago, I mainly wrote secular pieces because the publications that would accept freelance material at that time were primarily secular ones. In the decades since then, many secular publications no longer accept work from freelance writers. The ones that still do accept material from freelance writers and that have endured are primarily Christian ones.

The strong secular influences of today resemble those that existed when Jesus and the apostles were alive. At that time, the Roman Empire dominated the area around the Mediterranean basin to the extent that the Romans called the Mediterranean “Our Sea”. The Romans pushed out beyond Italy to conquer other lands so that their domination appeared to be limitless. They even tried to subdue the spiritual leaders by persecuting them and putting many Christians to death. However, as 1 Samuel 2:9 tells us, "It is not by strength that one prevails." The Roman Empire did not last while the Christian influence and the work of Jesus’ followers have endured through the centuries.

That same pattern appears to be at work today. Although secular influences appear to dominate the political and social scenes and seem to overpower Christians and their works, the current pattern is much the same as before. Christianity continues to spread its roots and its seeds that become like vibrant green plants that will not be eradicated despite the determined efforts of other forces. While many Christians become anxious and bemoan the well-publicized, apparent domination of anti-Christian forces, I’m not worried because I’ve read the Bible. I know who wins.

Prayer: Sovereign Lord, give me eyes to see beyond the temporary influences of today and keep my focus on your enduring power that no earthly prominence can end. In the name of Jesus, amen.

RELEVANT BIBLE PASSAGE

1 Samuel 2:7-10 – 7) The Lord sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts. 8) He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. “For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s; on them he has set the world. 9) He will guard the feet of his faithful servants, but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness. “It is not by strength that one prevails; 10) those who oppose the Lord will be broken. The Most High will thunder from heaven; the Lord will judge the end of the earth. “He will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed.” (New International Version)