Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Revelation 2:10 (KJV, emphasis added)

Twelve-year-old Lia entered her school's speech contest.

She had something to say, something that was important to her. She had something to say, something people didn't want to hear. Lia was told to pick a different topic. When she refused to do so, she was told she couldn't participate in the contest.

Eventually, the authorities had a change of heart and allowed Lia to speak. During the course of Lia's presentation, one of the judges stepped down; then her speech was disqualified, and then it was undisqualified. Eventually, Lia was declared the winner!

Moving up to another level in the competition, Lia was asked to remove an offensive line from her presentation. What kind of offensive line? I thought you'd never ask.

The politically incorrect line was: "Fetuses are definitely humans knit together in their mother's womb by their wonderful Creator who knows them all by name."

Now you know. Lia's speech was against abortion and for life. Apparently, that's controversial, at least in some circles. And what did Lia do with her offending words? Lia thought about it and eventually decided to leave them in.

She didn't win the regional competition. On the other hand, the Lord has allowed this witness made by a 12-year-old girl to speak to over 400,000 people on YouTube. (The link is provided below.)

Well, Lia has taught me -- and maybe some of you -- a lesson. By her conduct, God has shown those who take a stand for the Savior will suffer tribulations and trials; He has let us see there are costs and crosses if you follow the Savior.

Even so, we who know the Christ, who have seen His sacrifice, suffering, death, and resurrection, cannot -- dare not -- keep Him hidden.

It is our job, our duty, and our utmost privilege to share the Savior and His story of salvation.

This sinful world still needs to hear.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, You came to save us, to redeem us, to change us. Now may we who have been rescued be empowered to take a stand for You. Use our words to share Your transforming love with those who still need to hear. In Your Name. Amen.

INTERESTED IN HEARING LIA'S SPEECH? It's here: http://www.nmatv.com/video/1318/Preteen-pro-life-speech-goes-viral or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOR1wUqvJS4.

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In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Leviticus 19-20    Mark 9:30-50

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