Our Citizenship: One Nation under God

Do all lives matter in your Kingdom?

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. (Philippians 3:20, 21 NIV)

Why should this be a reminder to me? I have read this message before and yes, those who believe in Jesus Christ as The Son of God and the only way to the Father are promised eternal life in heaven. "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." (John 17:3 NIV). This promise is our hope as followers of Christ, and it gives us peace the world can't offer.

If you are a foreign born resident like me, you understand what it takes to adjust your residency in a different country. First, the cultural shock then, learning a new culture can be very challenging. Leaving your family and friends behind in majority of cases is another struggle. Starting new friendships can be a nightmare yet, a blessing when you trust in God's divine appointments.

Finding people to trust that will love you for who you truely are and that understand your situation without passing a death sentence on you is yet another struggle. The good news is God watches over his children and goes ahead of us at every given time. He promised never to leave us alone if we put our trust in Him. "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV)

Challenges become more stressful because most people don't acknowledge God or just push him aside while in this season of life. God knows our situations, he knows where we are from and what we are going through. Invited God into your immigration process and He will put the right people into your path.

This transition period can either make you or break you for a long time if you don't let The Holy Spirit guide your every step. It is your choice to listen to His voice and let Him led or you take the difficult highway of writing your own story without His direction.

I was going through the last process of becoming a citizen of this great nation ( America), when God opened my eyes in a new way. After all my struggles of adjusting my status and trying to make things right, The Holy Spirit gave me His Word.

I was part of a group study in my church that year; at the time my citizenship interview was scheduled. I explained to the group what was going on and asked  for prayers. I needed every one possible to come into agreement with me.This will be a life changing event in my life as a foreigner. If granted, I will have all the advantages Americans have and enjoyed. I longed for this day, yet very scared of the " what if". I prayed about it day and night believing God to do the impossible.

On the morning of the interview, I woke up early and took every document I had been asked. My husband and I prayed and I set out for Chicago which is like an hour thirty minutes drive. That was the longest drive I did to Chicago, not only because I was anxious but there was a snow storm. You can't be late for an immigration interview so I did a lot of praying on the way. Thank God I managed to get there like an hour before time.

I took with me my daily devotional to read while waiting for my turn. Such an anxiety calmer when you get in His Word full of promises. What amazed me when I opened the book was, this passage in Phillipians 3:20-21. 

Okay, you can call it a coincidence but to me it wasn't. I'm sitting and waiting on the day of my citizenship interview and the first page I turn to is talking to me about where my true citizenship belongs.

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, (Philippians 3:20 NIV)

For the first time, I realized all what I've been chasing does not really matter.  My citizenship is in heaven, with Christ! Tears came running down my cheeks. The Holy Spirit had just opened my eyes to His Truth by revelation knowledge. I thanked Him and sat there waiting with a new mind set.

When my name was called, I had peace for I knew He was with me. The immigration officer asked me all what he needed to know. This officer allowed me to make a phone call to my husband to get more information. Talk about divine favor at the interview. Without accurate information, the process can delay for months. He told me a letter will be mailed for the Oath Ceremony. 

I had been adopted as a citizen of the United States of America yay! What mattered most is, I am an adopted child of the Most High God, joined heir with Christ Jesus. "he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will" (Ephesians 1:5 NIV)

Pledging my allegiance at the Oath Ceremony to be a loyal citizen was in itself like the day I surrendered my all to Christ. I was adopted into God's family to be a part of the body of Christ (the church). I pledged to let His light shine through me on earth; with the hope of eternal life in heaven where my true citizenship is.

One of my rights as a loyal citizen of American is the right to vote. I get to be a part of choosing the leader that stands for what I believe in as a citizen not only of America but as a citizen of God's Kingdom. A kingdom where all lives matter even the unborn!

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Does your Kingdom value the lives of all people, living and the future generations?