Ordinary, Yet Faithful
The Inspiring Example of Those Who Gave Their All for Christ
by Hannah Zes, August 3, 2006
The History of the World Mega-Conference was one of the most inspiring events I have ever attended. There were so many informative messages to choose from, so many godly men to listen to and glean from, and so much to absorb. I realized how very little I know but was spurred on to know more, to search out, and to delve into the history books.
The conference began at the beginning of time with Creation and laid out exactly what its title says: a history of the world. But more than just the rise and fall of nations, the focal point of everything was Christ Jesus, for He is indeed the center point of history. The glorious working of His sovereign hand was recounted through each millennium by men passionate about history and even more passionate about their Savior.
It was the lecture, “A Brief History of the Martyrdom, Persecution, and Inquisition” by Dr. Joe Morecraft that struck a chord in my heart. I was challenged to holier living by fulfilling my purpose in this time of history in light of those who gave their all for Christ. As Dr. Morecraft explained, the deaths of faithful martyrs is what enlarged God’s Kingdom, and it was common, yet faithful men and women who were God’s vessels to change the culture for His glory.
Dr. George Grant echoed a similar theme with this statement: “Whatever the church does or doesn’t do affects the course of the nation and the destiny of the world.” It is because of this that the church must see itself as Christ’s ambassadors to the nations, His soldiers to wax strong in battle, and His hands taking dominion in every field of life.
Throughout all of history, the people of God have triumphed in advancing His Kingdom. Their vision extended far beyond their own lifetime, and we have been blessed because of it.
Knowledge of the past causes a deeper gratitude for his Creator to swell within the Christian’s heart. When he knows how God has preserved His people since the beginning of time, when he sees His marvelous works and glorious providences done throughout the ages, it brings great hope. And that is what the people of God have clung to: hope in Christ. They have persevered, and this is how I have been affected by the conference — to persevere in faith and hope for His glory.
How thankful I am to have been a participant at this event. Though at times I felt that my brain couldn’t hold any more information, I am so grateful for the truth I heard and the working of it within my heart by God’s grace to enable me to apply it to my life. That a sovereign God has ordained everything in the past, present, and future brings me peace and assurance. That God would use flawed men and imperfect nations to advance His Kingdom on earth is encouraging to me. That the most seemingly insignificant men played the most significant roles in history is incredible.
Thanks be to God that He has chosen us to be His vessels. What an honor and a joy it is to serve Him with our lives during this span of history. And may we be found faithful by the generations after us, even as we make this our prayer:
Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon His name, make known His deeds among the people. Sing unto Him, sing psalms unto Him, talk ye of all His wondrous works.... Remember His marvelous works that He hath done, His wonders, and the judgments of his mouth.... Be ye mindful always of His covenant; the word which He commanded to a thousand generations.... declare His glory among the heathen; His marvelous works among all nations (excerpted from I Chronicles 16).