What it Feels like to be an Armenian

What it feels like to be an Armenian? To be completely honest, the first answer that comes to mind is to feel rejected. That's what it feels like. That's what it has always felt like. Ever since my early childhood, I had always wondered about the past, present and possible future situations. I have always tried to come up with justifications, reasons, explanations to give to strangers, to local natives and to myself.

History lessons and stories of glory heights and disastrous massacres were never enough to fill the gap or build a bridge between the truth and reality. I was always confused. No matter how many heroic patriotic stories I've been told, I still couldn't find the strength and ability to walk victoriously in life. It may be different for others, but that's what it felt like for me, while growing up as an armenian kid in Lebanon.

My dad always says that Armenians always identify themselves with Christianity and have always referred to themselves as "Armenian-Christians". Growing up in a secular home and a secular school, I was an atheist and a rebel. What Christ had done, who He is and the significance of all of that to my nation was simply a vague fairy tale of thousands of years. There was nothing interesting there for me.

After having a special encounter with Christ, after falling completely in love with Him, after surrendering my life and my heart to Him, and after starting a journey of faith with Him, I realize how desperately Armenians truly need to identify themselves with Christ and not just simply refer to themselves as "Armenian Christians".

We need Christ. We need Him so badly and desperately. In a world of rapid change and degradation, to walk victoriously as an Armenian and as a nation, we have no other hope but the hope of resurrection in every detail of our lives. 

The apostle Paul says: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”" (Romans 1:16-17)

The gospel, which means good news, truly is good news to all, including Armenians. It has delivered our ancestors, shaped a whole new culture, nation and kingdom, inspired from heaven. It remains the same powerful good news for us today. To accept it, to live it our by faith and to declare it hold the greatest 'explosive' power that exists in this universe. It is the power of the resurrection of Christ. 

The apostle Paul writes the following: "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come." (Ephesians 1:18-21)

O how we need that power to work in us, to work in our rejection, to work in our weakness, in our differences and carnal urges, and give life to our dead state. The gospel offers us a way out. Let us grab it and declare it boldly. Let us declare salvation and power over our people. Let us not be ashamed of it. It is God, who has promised to deliver us and to gives strength and grace to all who believe. Let us not take His word lightly, but give heed and press on towards this great prize set before us. (Phil 3:14)

I look forward to a new day with Christ for our nation. I look forward to a new beginning of glory and power.

"Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. Lord, give victory to the king! Answer us when we call!" (Psalm 20:6-9)