December 26
God
vs. State
"Peter and the other apostles replied, ‘We must obey God instead of people!’"
Acts 5:29 (NIrV)
Lucas sat in his small truck outside the office building, staring into the abyss. The world outside moved as normal—cars honking, people walking into work, coffee cups in hand—but inside, he felt like he was standing at the edge of a cliff.
For years, he had run a small printing business, one he had built from the ground up. He loved the work, but more than that, he loved that his business allowed him to operate according to his faith. He printed materials for churches, nonprofits, and schools—nothing that went against his conscience.
But now, everything had changed.
A new state law required all businesses like his to provide services for any client, regardless of personal beliefs. That meant if someone asked him to print materials that openly promoted values contrary to his Christian convictions, he would be legally obligated to do so. If he refused, he could be fined, sued, maybe even shut down.
Lucas had spent nights tossing and turning, going over his options. He didn’t want to discriminate against anyone—he had always treated customers with respect—but this wasn’t about that. This was about being forced to endorse something he deeply believed was wrong.
His friend Nathan had been blunt about it over coffee the other night.
“Lucas, this is serious,” Nathan had said, stirring his drink. “I get it. You want to stand for your faith. But if you refuse, you’re looking at legal trouble. The state is coming down hard on cases like this.”
Lucas exhaled sharply, staring into his own untouched coffee. “I know. But Nathan, if I go along with this, I’m betraying what I believe. I can’t just pretend that’s okay.”
Nathan had leaned back, rubbing his chin. “I respect that, man. But Jesus also told us to be wise. Maybe there’s a way to navigate this without putting yourself in the direct line of fire?”
Lucas had nodded, but deep down, he already knew the answer.
Now, parked outside his office, he prayed one last time. Lord, I need wisdom. Show me what to do. Give me the courage to honor You, no matter the cost.
His heart pounded as he grabbed his phone and dialed his lawyer.
“Hey, Greg. I need to talk. I can’t comply with this law in good conscience. I need to know my options.”
There was silence on the other end before Greg spoke. “You’re sure about this?”
Lucas took a deep breath. “Yeah. I am.”
He didn’t know how this would end. Maybe he’d lose his business. Maybe he wouldn’t. But one thing was certain—he had chosen obedience to God over fear. And that was enough.
Prayer:
Father, in a world that often challenges our faith, give us the courage to stand firm.
Help us to know when to obey and when to resist, always seeking Your wisdom above our own.
Strengthen our hearts when we face opposition, and remind us that You are always in control.
May we honor You in all we do.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
