Christine Caine’s words left an ache in my heart, “Their courage is immense – most expect to meet Jesus face to face in the next two weeks. It is a powerful reminder right now of what matters – and making every opportunity count for eternity.”
“God, I feel helpless . . . will my prayers save anyone?”
I doubt I’m alone in these thoughts. We watch the news, see the social feeds – everyone is yelling, “Pray! Pray! Pray!” … and all I seem to be experiencing is sadness, guilt, and despair.
If any of those words hit home to you – I have some direction for you.
Paul was imprisoned for speaking about Jesus, he was facing execution. He was in bondage and in a hopeless place, a place where death was knocking at the door ready to carry him away to meet Jesus face to face … And he tells his followers to, “rejoice” … and if you didn’t hear him the first time – he said it again, “Rejoice!”
(Philippians 4)
Paul and Silas lay beat up, bruised, cut, and bleeding. Nothing good was happening. Death and despair was outwardly on display – and they praised God for who He is, not for what they were going through.
They audaciously rebelled against the enemy who wanted to snuff out their life, cause them pain, and lead others away with worry and doubt – they rejoiced, and praised God for His being.
Rebel audaciously against the outward despair of current events – in the midst of the bad, fearful, heartbreaking news – rejoice about who God is. Bring Him close to you through praise and focus. Then, live out your rebellion to fear and worry by demonstrating His love and your dedication to Him, to another …
- Write the God infused post.
- Sing the song that brings hope.
- Smile at the stranger.
- Teach the Word of God to your children.
- Work as unto the Lord.
- Listen with grace and speak with salt.
- Help your neighbor.
- Put another before yourself.
- Rejoice! For Who He is, not what you need.
Keep on keeping on in action and faith according to what the Word says. The best way to cast off helplessness is to carry on giving Jesus where God has placed you. Pray for the persecuted – and live as you will one day meet Jesus face to face.
Keep in the faith,
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” Romans 8
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness (gentleness) be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4