Reading 24-7 Prayers’ advice on our response to hostility I was reminded of the way the agnostic and atheist portion of this world is eager to convince Christians that we are losing the battle. They would have us believe the church in the west is dying. That our God does not heal. That our beliefs simply show us as credulous fools. The more forgiving may say, “Well if it works for you, I am happy for you, but it has nothing for me.”
And when I think of these situations, I can tend to become a little self-righteous, a little over-confident, a little proud that such irritating conversations cannot sway my faith. In short, I can begin to forget to whom I owe my salvation. How fragile I and my faith would be if ever I were to attempt the journey without Him. And most of all, how much I can limit my God.
Do I pray for others enough confidently expecting healing for their pain? If I am honest in my heart, do I say “Your will be done” sometimes with a hint of resignation, rather than confidently saying “Your will WILL be done”. Do I step out in faith at every opportunity, or just the ones that fit with what I want to do?
In short, I am very human, but thank Jesus Christ that God is very God. I was told that only 3% of western journalists are Christian. Whether this is true or not, I am sure that most of the news is reporting the triumphs of evil in the world. A news story where everyone is happy doesn’t sell many newspapers after all. With all of this propaganda being pumped into us day in and day out, is it any wonder we can sometimes think that evil has the upper hand, if just for a moment?
But today’s scripture tells the truth. We are living in a broken world under repair. What we endure now will not be forever. When Christ comes again, there will be no doubt. No-one will say, “But isn’t that Joseph’s son?”, they will say “My God” or be lost for words.
Jesus can, is and will triumph in the Horn of Africa. Today I ask you to ready your hearts and confidently cry out, “Lord, Your will WILL be done in Africa.”
Prayer
Lord, your promises in the bible say that where two or more are gathered, you will answer prayers.
We know You are in control in Africa.
We know You are fixing Africa properly and permanently, in Your perfect timing.
We know Your will is perfect.
That nothing stands in its way
That the suffering are relieved
That the homeless are sheltered
That the hungry are fed
That Africa’s future is rich and prosperous under Your dominion
Lord we claim this in Jesus’ name that Your will is done in Africa and not mankind’s.
Amen
Bible Passage
Isaiah 66
Judgment and Hope
1 This is what the LORD says:
“Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool.
Where is the house you will build for me?
Where will my resting place be?
2 Has not my hand made all these things,
and so they came into being?”
declares the LORD.
“These are the ones I look on with favor:
those who are humble and contrite in spirit...
7 “Before she goes into labor,
she gives birth;
before the pains come upon her,
she delivers a son.
8 Who has ever heard of such things?
Who has ever seen things like this?
Can a country be born in a day
or a nation be brought forth in a moment?
Yet no sooner is Zion in labor
than she gives birth to her children.
9 Do I bring to the moment of birth
and not give delivery?” says the LORD.
“Do I close up the womb
when I bring to delivery?” says your God.
10 “Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her,
all you who love her;
rejoice greatly with her,
all you who mourn over her.
11 For you will nurse and be satisfied
at her comforting breasts;
you will drink deeply
and delight in her overflowing abundance.”
12 For this is what the LORD says:
“I will extend peace to her like a river,
and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream;
you will nurse and be carried on her arm
and dandled on her knees.
13 As a mother comforts her child,
so will I comfort you;
and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.”
14 When you see this, your heart will rejoice
and you will flourish like grass;
the hand of the LORD will be made known to his servants,
but his fury will be shown to his foes.
15 See, the LORD is coming with fire,
and his chariots are like a whirlwind;
he will bring down his anger with fury,
and his rebuke with flames of fire.
16 For with fire and with his sword
the LORD will execute judgment on all people,
and many will be those slain by the LORD.
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