by June Patrick
Who hasn’t wondered about all that’s been happening these past months and why? Why hasn’t God answered our prayers to make the corona virus go away, the racial injustice, violence and political division stop and other dilemmas in our nation? Fear has tried to hold us in its grip. But, I still believe God has a plan and purpose for us and it’s for good, in spite of how things appear!
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Haven’t we, as believers in Jesus Christ, been praying for revival and a spiritual awakening, as well as for his promised return? Then we shouldn’t be so surprised or alarmed at the sifting and shaking that’s going on. God is calling us to wake up, and to pray like never before. Jesus said to pray for God’s kingdom to come and his will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Remember, Jesus let us know in John 16:33 “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
We are in a spiritual battle with rulers and authorities in the unseen realm of darkness. So we must draw our strength from the Lord and be equipped with God’s armor. We stand protected by wearing his truth, the gospel of peace, his righteousness, and salvation, the shield of faith and by using the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. And we must pray, pray, pray!
The devil is a liar, deceiver and accuser. We cannot be ignorant of his devices! He seeks to steal, kill and destroy! So let’s pray for discernment and to not get sucked into believing his lies. He uses certain people as his pawns in order to trick us and cause hatred and division among us.
1 Corinthians 1:10 says, “To live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” We are to love one another, be forgiving and not take offense.
Now is not the time to give up or give in to discouragement or lose hope! Romans 12:12 states, “Let this hope burst forth within you, releasing a continual joy. Don’t give up in a time of trouble, but commune with God at all times.” Remember God is for us, so who can be against us?