It's No Secret What God Can Do

"In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead." - 1 Peter 4:4-5 (NKJV)

If we truly are living the life that God wants for us as His children, we need to recognize that the old self is gone, and I no longer live the same lifestyle. The new has come, and I now live for Jesus Christ. I am not ashamed of Him, and I will demonstrate this by choosing to go against the tide of this world and not conform to its values. This may upset some people, but my goal is to please Jesus Christ.

In Romans 12:2, it says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is that good, acceptable, and perfect will of God for your life." This verse highlights that we are not to follow the path of the world. Instead, we are to follow the way of Jesus Christ. Some may look at you and say "How strange," but God will look at you and say "How strong!"

Many years ago, there was a man named Stuart Hamblen, a comedian and radio personality well known in Hollywood circles. He was planning to have Billy Graham on his radio program, but before that, he decided to attend one of Graham's tent revivals. Hamblen, who was also known for his wild living, went there mainly to gather information so he could make fun of Graham on his show. He said that during the revival, Billy Graham made a statement from the stage: "There is a fake here in the audience. There's a man who is a fake here," implying someone with hidden motives.

Hamblen felt he knew Graham was talking about him, and he believed God was speaking to him. He felt convicted by God that he was a sinner who needed to be saved, and Billy Graham led Hamblin to Christ. Afterwards, he no longer wanted to live as a womanizer or a drunkard. He wanted to leave behind the wild Hollywood parties. As a result, people turned against him, and he was shunned by the Hollywood crowd. He and his radio show suffered because he refused to support beer advertisements. Eventually, he was ousted from his program.

He tried recording Christian songs, but they didn’t gain much popularity. Then a close friend of his, John Wayne, told him, "Stuart, all of your problems started happening when you got religion." He asked Hamblen if it was worth it, and Hamblen replied, "Absolutely. It’s no secret. God has done something. God has done the impossible." Confessing that God changed his life, Wayne remarked, "Now that's a catchy song. Why don't you write a song about that? ‘It's no secret.’" Hamblen then composed a beautiful song:

It is no secret what God can do
What He's done for others He'll do for you
With arms wide open He'll pardon you
It is no secret what God can do

2 Corinthians 4:4 states, "The god of this world (referring to the devil) has blinded the minds of those who do not believe, so that the light of the glorious gospel should not shine on them." This applies to that lost friend, neighbor, or family member who doesn’t understand your Christian convictions. They might say, "I just don't see why you live the way you do." The Bible explains that the devil has blinded their minds; they truly can't comprehend it.

So, what should we do? We need to love them and be patient with them. It's not our role to constantly fight or argue with them. Instead, we should share the truth and respond with patience.

The world may look at you and scratch its head in confusion, saying, "How strange," but God looks at you and says, "How strong." The only way we can make a difference in this world is by being different for Jesus.

Reflection Question: When people think your Christian convictions are strange, how can you respond with both boldness about your faith and patience toward their blindness?

Lord, when others think my faith is strange, help me have boldness to stand by my convictions even when it costs me friendships, opportunities, or acceptance. Help me to be patient with those who don't understand, remembering that satan has blinded their minds. Let my changed life be such a clear testimony that even when they think it's strange, You applaud and say, "how strong." In Jesus' name, amen.

Adapted from "Ready for Battle" (1 Peter 4:1-6): https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/9n23qdh/19-ready-for-battle-1-peter-4-1-6