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PROGRAM D-7511
You know, as Christ-followers, we realize we are now in a post-Christian era, where living out your faith and standing true to biblical principles is more and more unusual and less and less understood. In fact, in many ways we see how a strong Christian faith is demeaned or ridiculed by many. Sometimes it can feel like you’re swimming upstream, can it not?
But when I’m tempted to wish for “the good ‘ole days,” I’m reminded that God in his sovereignty chose this time in history for me—and for you—to walk on this earth. So instead of focusing on the difficulties of living out my faith in this culture, like Queen Esther of old I want to recognize that God has put me here “for such a time as this.” And indeed to count it a privilege to courageously show my world the transforming power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the love of God.
You know, the first-century Christians had a much more difficult culture to navigate than we do today, at least here in this country. They were literally persecuted and martyred for their faith. But they stood strong. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian believers: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).
Those are good words for us today, are they not? Stand firm, be courageous, be strong. That’s why I’ve chosen the theme “Courageous Faith” for our 28th annual Weekend Getaway, April 15 – 17, 2016. We see throughout history that when Christians were persecuted, the Church grew, the Gospel spread, and believers were strong and courageous.
I’ve invited Damaris Carbaugh to take a different role at this year’s weekend getaway. She has sung the Gospel and love of Jesus into our hearts many times, and this year she will speak that same truth into our lives. She is equally gifted to speak and sing. Our workshops are going to focus on various aspects of having courageous faith, and Chrissy Toledo will tell her story of how God rescued her from the depths of despair and self-destruction, in large part because of the courageous faith of her mom and dad, Carol and Jim Cymbala of Brooklyn Tabernacle.
Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to truly get away for a weekend of spiritual renewal, a time to bolster your faith and stand firm. The dates are April 15 – 17, 2016 here in the Chicago area, and all the details are on line at christianworkingwoman.org. Please call us with any questions you have or to register by phone. Our number is 630-462-0552. I truly hope you’ll join me as together we ask God to give us courageous faith.