"Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied."
Sometimes we hear well-meaning believers say things like this: "What the church needs right now is some persecution." At times, people are even so misguided, as to actually "pray" to God for trial and difficulty. But that is not the Lord's way. He causes His church to prosper in all kinds of spiritual "soil"; but He is most pleased when the gospel "settles" cultures, and gives the church favor in the sight of all.
Therefore, let us do as we are commanded (by the Lord) in 1 Tim. 2:1-4, and ask God to move and guide (even civil) leaders who will make decisions that benefit the body of Christ.
[Puritan quote of the day: "True grace is much engaged in the work of humiliation . . . " --William Bridge, in "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]
