“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV
This opening scripture may seem like ‘pie in the sky’ to some. To people of faith it is a great comfort and a call to action to pray for our country and our world.
When the COVID-19 pandemic first shut our world down, it seemed America, including our government, was pulling together to help each other as best they could. My prayers were one of thanksgiving that people in power were putting their differences aside for the good of all Americans.
Then concern for the health and wellbeing of our citizens seemed to be replaced with concerns for racial equality. Our government once again became polarized in the midst of a presidential election. What happened to pulling together?
Where is God in all this chaos? I see him every day in the faces of our essential workers. I have a much greater respect for our trash collectors, our postal workers and our grocery store employees. I deeply appreciate our small-business owners…especially the ones who keep my hair and finger nails groomed and provide transportation for me.
Where is God in the shootings, the riots, the violence and the political attacks? What about our failing economy and the businesses that have had to close their doors?
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 1Peter 4:12 NIV
I think it is human nature to think that through our own will and human effort we can control our outcomes. Perhaps that is why we see people turning to God always in times of crisis. That’s when we realize we can’t do it on our own.
I’ve seen this personally these last twenty-plus years as I’ve struggled to live a positive life with the effects of a traumatic brain injury. Boy has God become real for me now! Perhaps COVID-19 is our wake-up call to remind us of who, in His great love, is controlling our universe.
God is still right here with us. This is a perfect example of the name of my blog: Life Happens. It has certainly happened to all of us with COVID-19! How are we handling this crisis? Do we believe that with God, all things are possible? Do we believe He loves us…ALL OF US? Do we truly have trust in Him when we pray?
He commands us to pray for our country and our leaders. He commands us to love one another as He has loved us. We’re supposed to pray for His will in all things.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 NIV
So we are not powerless in our desire to make our world a better place. We are not powerless to stand against this virus, injustice, and inequality. As I said in Welcome to My Blog, I believe with all my heart that ‘GOD’S GOT THIS’. I’ve made a conscientious effort to remove from my vocabulary the saying, “All I can do is pray.” Prayer is the most powerful force in the universe! It should be our first line of defense when life happens.
Please pray for peace and healing for our broken world!
Dear Lord,
Bring a sense of peace to all of us, so we know that You have this troubling and chaotic time under Your control. Take our worry and replace it with resolve to continue loving and taking care of each other. Help us to bite our tongue when tempted to criticize what others are doing…or NOT doing.
All of our lives have changed from what we thought of as normal. Keep reminding us that You are right there, guiding us through our ‘new normal’.
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