If my people…Day 34

God knows how each of us will do in the face of battle. I sometimes feel weak because I live in my middle – class, neighborhood where the crime rate is low and I walk the sidewalks without unnecessary fear. God knew me before I was formed and He chose where I would live my life. And He called me to pray with, and for, those who are living in a more dangerous life.

I feel safe. God has not chosen me to be in the heat of battle. Maybe because He knows I would fail. But for whatever reason I am not in the fire, my cries, and my prayers, are for those God has trusted with the war zone that is in America today. I pray that this blog gets to the hearing of those people who face the fear of drive – by shootings; watching as the lives of loved ones are ended way too soon. I pray for God’s protection for the determined people who have made an effort to build a family business in the midst of gangs demanding “protection” money. I have a special burden for women who find themselves with unwanted pregnancies, whether due to unwise choices or unwanted advances, and not knowing where to turn for help. I pray for the children that these women are making decisions for: to give life or to end it. I pray for you to look up to the One who can win the battle. I pray for you to get strength, guidance, and a certain measure of peace from the words that I write. Please, know that I cannot know what you are going through because God didn’t allow me to live where you live. But God knows. And trust that sometimes God needs those of us who are living on the outside of the battle to be able to pray for you with a clear heart and a clear mind.

I encourage you to look to God for your strength. Look to the Holy Spirit for your peace. You will not find either in the situations of the world around you; only by focusing on and trusting in Jesus will you have a life worth living. I pray that God will raise up Christian warriors in our neighborhoods. People who look to the Holy Spirit for their guidance and hold the shield of faith as their protection. I pray for those who are not afraid to fight for what is right and to stand together with their neighbors when the battle is too much for one. We can change America; one life at a time.

Lord, today we face many hardships in a time when our faith is continually tested. But we know there is nothing to fear because You, Lord, are in control of all things. You are our strength and our defender; there is nothing too hard for You. Therefore, let us be confident in our faith and bold in telling others of Your marvelous unconditional love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

“If my people who are called by my Name humble themselves, and pray, and seek my Face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV