True Independence!

One of the many things I have enjoyed since moving from the west coast to the east is the abundance of history that literally swarms throughout this area!  And while I am proud of my California heritage, I cannot help but feel closer to my American roots as I explore the lands where those who discussed, penned and fought for our independence lived and died.

As it turns out, North Carolina was right in the forefront of the fledgling government and fight for freedom in the 1700’s.  There is a strong belief felt by many that “on May 20, 1775 a group of colonial militia leaders met in Mecklenburg, North Carolina and declared independence from Great Britain a full 13 months before the Continental Congress.”  And while no original copy of the “Mecklenburg Declaration” has survived and many including Thomas Jefferson argued that it never did exist, its legacy still rings loudly as “the date of its supposed signing – May 20, 1775 – still appears on both the North Carolina state flag and seal.” (http://www.history.com/news/did-north-carolina-issue-the-first-declaration-of-independence)

As I was reading some articles about the colonial revolution against the British, it dawned on me that I had never really thought about it, but when the representatives from the thirteen colonies adopted the resolution that came to be known as “The Declaration of Independence” on July 4, 1776, the actual war was still in its beginning stages.  After the signing of this document, which most historians now agree actually occurred nearly a month after its adoption on August 2, 1776, the war raged on until “the Treaty of Paris ended the war and recognized the sovereignty of the United States”  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Revolutionary_War) in 1783.

During the seven years between their adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the final signing of the treaty that ended the bloodshed, our forefathers fought with a strong conviction and faith in the belief and understanding of that document.  The history of their determination reminded me of the similar conviction and faith that we Christians stand and fight for in our unmovable belief in the Bible, which is the document that defines our freedom against the oppression of the enemy of our souls on this earth.  It also got me to thinking about the astounding odds that were stacked against the colonists as they gave their all to fight for the truths that they firmly believed in.  But in the end… they overcame and won the fight!

Well, the same can be said for Christians today!  In this world we are constantly bombarded with threats against our Biblical beliefs and stand for the God-kind of life we believe to be the only way.  Laws are changed, historical understandings and definitions are reversed or re-defined, and at times it looks like the battle is lost.  But you know… when you read the end of the book, just like the results of the lopsided fight the colonists fought in the late 1770’s in the United States… we win!

Therefore, I think we have a lesson to learn as we here in the United States of America celebrate the establishment of our nation.  This is not a time to get angry or afraid, but rather the time to dig in even deeper to where our lives are rooted.  Colossians 2:7 encourages us to “Sink your roots in him and build on him.  Be strengthened by the faith that you were taught, and overflow with thanksgiving.” (God’s Word ©)

We still have a job to do, another battle to fight and many more victories to win!  If you’re feeling down, upset or are concerned about the state of things in this world then it is time to fire God’s Secret Weapon of JOY in the knowledge of His truth as stated in
Romans 8:31 where Paul declared: “What shall we then say to these things?  If God be for us, who can be against us?” (KJV)

So go out this weekend and celebrate our country’s origins and at the same time rejoice in the knowledge that along with Christians anywhere in this world who are facing all kinds of disturbing events… YOU ARE ON THE WINNING SIDE!

Have a great weekend.  Stay in tune to His Word, and keep asking yourself… “What or who’s ultimate INDEPENDENCE and VICTORY am I expecting to celebrate today?”