While the last ten months were filled with uncertainty across America, the last few weeks have been nothing short of utter chaos. Myriad theories abound but one thing is clear: our nation is broken. The wheels have come off.
Our political leadership has never been more divided since the Civil War. To make matters worse, the fault-lines of the culture often invade the Church. The societal division, distrust, and despair is – even now – wreaking havoc in congregations across our nation.
Yet three heart-truths are the keys to remaining strong in God’s peace, power, and purpose:
- Prayer is not our last resort, but rather the most effective action we can take. God is readily able to do what is completely impossible for us. James reminds God’s people:
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit.” (James 5:17-18)
- Every particle of creation is under God’s command. Nothing is outside God’s purview. Through a vision to a pagan ruler, Nebuchadnezzar, God proclaims:
“This sentence is by the decree of the angelic watchers and the decision is a command of the holy ones, in order that the living may know that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, and bestows it on whom He wishes and sets over it the lowliest of men.” (Daniel 4:17)
- Our mission orders remain unchanged. Every born-again disciple is called to multiply. Although we’re thankful for our flag and the freedom it represents, we are followers of Jesus who live on His mission under the banner of the Cross. As long as we have breath, we can speak of Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. May He be first on our lips as we talk, write, tweet, blog, or post into the darkness of this present age. Missiologist Jeff Christopherson said, “The Christian revolution started not with a grasping powerplay, but with an open-handed emptying of power (Phil. 2:5-9). Scarred palms are the symbols of an uncompromising kingdom insurrection. [This is] our way forward.” [1] Let’s march forward with the gospel truth spoken and shown in love:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” (Matt. 28:19a)
Is your heart weary? Your mind beleaguered? Maybe your spouse or elderly parents are chewing away at their fingernails as they watch the news?
Hit pause.
Pray.
Remember.
God is still sovereign and His ways can be trusted.
Love in Christ,
Michael
P.S.
Recommended for further reading:
- “Partisan Evangelicals and the Burning of the Mission Field”
- 4 Considerations for Christians Wanting to Engage in Political Activism
