It’s a very common issue among Christians to feel as if there is little or no support of beliefs on a daily basis. Fortunately, God does allow for such situations, and He provides for those who feel left behind or alone.
Prayer is always available anytime and anywhere, but there are also usually other Christians around to provide support when the need becomes more than what someone may be able to handle on their own.
So, how does a faithful Christian balance his or her faith with the demands of the secular world? Read on to find out.
Maintaining a Christian Home
The first step toward finding support in a time of need is to prepare a Christian home in advance. When prayers are a habit before bed, upon waking and along with mealtimes, there are set times to speak with God and determine what needs to be done in order to live according to His will throughout the day.
Of course, unexpected situations arise throughout the day, but having the open dialogue allows for a realization that Jesus answers prayers and will not offer more challenges than can be overcome.
Praying at Work
Work can and does provide challenges to the Christian in that prayer isn’t always welcome as a public endeavor. The fact of the matter is that work is a place to produce income for the employees, managers, and company owners, but is not a place which is necessarily appropriate to declare faith.
Prayers don’t always have to be done publicly. Whether an employee is having a hard day, a manager is facing a difficult decision, or an owner is concerned about the success of their business and ability to provide for their employees, a prayer conducted privately will draw as much or more attention than the one which interrupts the day’s work.
Strangers and Grocery Stores
As difficult as it may seem to find time for prayer at work among colleagues or while taking care of family situations at home, praying in public situations such as while grocery shopping can seem much more difficult. Unfortunately, some people don’t understand or appreciate the power of prayer.
On the other hand, many great friendships have formed simply because two or more people who didn’t know each other previously decided to pray together whether for a time of need or a celebration of praise. Although the Bible asks believers to spread the Good News, it isn’t always appropriate to minister as part of a conversation with strangers.
To return to the grocery store example, someone may be a strong faith based person but just there to buy some food which will be prayed over later at home.
Neighborly Acquaintances
Neighbors who don’t practice faith can provide a bit more of a challenge than co-workers or strangers. Of course, it is sad to see a family who doesn’t celebrate the joy of Christ on a daily basis, but there is little to be done in such a situation. Expressing concern will likely cause unwanted friction between neighbors, but as people of faith it may be difficult not to express sympathy for their plight of being removed from the Savior.
This is the situation in which Jesus recommended to teach by example. When the neighbors see how a Christian home functions, the prayers will reach willing ears and be received in His glory.
Ministry and Church Family
Ministry among a church family is literally “preaching to the choir,” but sometimes such acts are required to maintain faith. When church families support each other, it takes away the pain of watching those who have yet to find their way. The church is there to spread the Word to those in need, and it’s important to remember sometimes the church members themselves are the ones in need.
Everyone in the church has seen the sadness of a secular world without faith, and sometimes need to re-energize each other with a show of how God’s love is real and available here on Earth in real time. Church outreach and ministry programs are a great way to spread the word as told in the Bible to people willing to accept the love and grace Jesus offered to this world.
The bottom line is you have to act according to your beliefs on a daily basis. You can’t make other people listen, but you can show them how your relationship with Jesus affects your daily decisions and life.
~ 1776 Christian
