I live in Tanzania for most of the year. If you know me, then you know that. Our time at home right now (UK) happened to be during the referendum: the biggest vote that has been in Britain for a very long time. I’m not a politician, I had my personal thoughts, I didn’t really know how to vote, but I knew I should pray. I prayed for God’s will and I can honestly say that I had decided that whichever way the vote went, I would accept it was God’s will for our nation – if not, what’s the point of praying? I kind of assumed (maybe I’m naive) that every believer in the UK was praying the same thing?

I stayed up on the night of the results, (even though I said I wouldn’t, I like my bed too much!) because I could see it wasn’t going in the direction that most of the UK thought it would. I fell asleep around 2.00am – I woke at 4.30am, checked my twitter, saw that we were out and I went back to sleep. I was shocked like everyone, not because I definitely wanted to remain, but I thought the fear that had been sown, would mean the UK would play it safe.

My initial thoughts were of excitement, adventure and the chance to do something new. I was pretty happy because I believed this must be what God wants otherwise the devil won and the Christians in the UK have no power – in other words, it was a complete waste of time praying. My sadness began as I opened social media. The fear, insults, hatred and pride (on the side of those who ‘won’) that was flying around was extremely vexing (Thanks for that word Miss Catherine De Burgh – Pride and prejudice!). I’d have let it go and probably not written this blog if it had been from people who didn’t know Jesus, but it wasn’t. The initial reaction to the result from a lot of Christians was one of fear. So, I started to ask the question: Why was that the first reaction for so many? I think was because too many reacted from their souls – (minds, wills and emotions). The first reaction didn’t come out of believers’ spirits, the inner part of us, the part that doesn’t need to feel in order to act; the part that hosts the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead. (Romans 8:11). A lot of Christians jumped right into the river of fear. ‘Hate’ ruled instead of love and it was heart breaking.

For the people who don’t have the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead inside of them, then fear and uncertainty is understandable and inevitable, at least until it settles down – and I believe it will. But for those of us who have that same spirit, if you reacted with anger, pride, fear or, dare I say, hatred, then shame on you – there is no excuse.

I got to thinking about what it must have been like when Winston Churchill announced to the nation that Britain was again going to war in 1939. Can you imagine? It had only been a little over twenty years since the last one. I’m sure the fear and uncertainty that was flying around was huge! Can you imagine if Facebook had been around? Churchill was not a hero on that day, I’m sure. He was actually in the minority to go to war, but he made his stand and thank God he did. He is a hero today. I’m not comparing that to this, but what I am saying is, we’re grateful that the UK went into a dark place for a while, because we are free today. What if this is God’s will for us? What if HE has an incredible plan for us that couldn’t happen to the same degree if we’d remained? I don’t know that for a fact, I’m just thinking out loud.

John (my lovely husband) said that the UK church now has a greater opportunity to influence policy in the UK. It really had less chance to influence the policy of the EU (other than a miracle) simply because of the volume of people who could block that influence on policy. It’s time for the church to grow up and to rise into its potential – can we do it? Can we rise into the people that Jesus died for us to be? I think we can, but it’s going to take strength of leadership. Insecurity is going to have to die, leaders must lead, yet also be open to be coached – it’s not always the congregation or the elders that are wrong (Honest!). Apathy amongst congregations is going to have to die. If you only go to church every three weeks, then you’re not helping. If you don’t regularly spend time in the word of God and in prayer, then you’re not helping. If you’re sick, but you’re not in the dwelling place (Psalm 91), you’re probably not going to get your prayers to be healed answered. Is that because God doesn’t want to? No. It’s because he expects us to fulfil our parts of his promises. Here’s just one: “Acknowledge him in ALL your ways, and he will make your paths straight.” If you don’t acknowledge him, then do not expect your paths to be straight. Sorry, but that’s the ‘deal’. Fair enough, I think.

The nation has most certainly been divided by what’s happened, but here are a couple of interesting things. On the Saturday after the result, there was a gay pride march in London. Thousands of people took to the streets to stand together. Do you think all of them there voted the same way in the referendum? I doubt it, but it was all forgotten because they had a common cause – their cause, for that day at least, was bigger than leaving the EU.

The Euros (European football competition) are going on at the moment too. Did the Welsh, English, Northern Irish fans all vote the same in the referendum? I doubt it, but it was all forgotten because they are each cheering for the same team.

I can’t help those who don’t know Christ with this blog. I’m not trying to. I don’t know the nitty gritty of the future – truth is, no human does. What I want to do is encourage/challenge the stance of those who do know Jesus. Scripture says: “All things work together for the good for those who LOVE the Lord.” Is that true? If it is, then let’s LOVE him (and each other) more than we ever have and things will work together for good! They will! If you’ve hurt your social media friends, (whichever way you voted), by your comments, humble yourself and say sorry, publicly, if possible because that will have more power.

“The whole of creation is waiting in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.” Romans 8:19

It is our shift so let’s take this chance to shine. We’ve taken hold of the baton – what are you going to do about it?