As I write this Cindy and I are celebrating our 55th wedding anniversary. As we consider the many wonderful years we have experienced together we are also mindful of the struggles and challenges we are currently facing in our world. Today, we find ourselves living in the most tumultuous time in our lifetime—perhaps in our history. As followers of Christ we must discover the proper way for us to respond.
In my last TargetPoint, Theology VS Ideology, I unpacked what I believe are some of the underlying issues giving rise to where we find ourselves today. A few days ago, as we were praying with our small group for protection over our city and region Cindy’s prayer was one of, if not the most anointed I have ever heard from her. In her prayer, she revealed something God had given her during the week. In this edition I want to have Cindy share what God had given her which I believe is profound and timely for all of us who are followers of Jesus: What follows are a few things God put on her heart:
As I was doing my devotions and praying for our nation the Lord put three words on my heart, Peace, Purpose and Provision.
I felt like God was impressing on me that the peace we are all seeking is not to be found in the things of this world, but in Him only can we find and abide (abide in Greek is “monai”, meaning to be at home) in the peace that passes all understanding. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
He says in His Word He invites us into that secret place of sweet fellowship and peace. Song of Solomon 2:13-14Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away. O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the covert of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet and your face is beautiful.
Then the word purpose came to me. I felt like we needed to be reminded that we are not here by mistake in this time and place in history. Young or old, He has a purpose and a destiny for each of us. We need to keep our eyes upon Him and follow His leading not being hamstrung by the circumstances that surround us. Let’s ask Him what He has purposed for us. In Revelation 3:8 the Lord says, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut! If we are not spending time with Him we will never understand our purpose or what God has put in our hand. We need to rise up together and be people of purpose in this day and hour.
Lastly, provision. He reminded me that He will always provide all we need to accomplish the plans and purposes He has ordained for us. That may seem like a big assignment at times but He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. We have been given the Holy Spirit and all the resources of the Kingdom. Abraham named the place after God provided a ram to sacrifice in place of his son Isaac “Jehovah-jireh” meaning God provides.
Abraham along with many others in the Bible repeatedly show us how God provides when we are obedient to His call. Let’s believe God for big things!
So dear ones, in the midst of our present circumstances I believe God wants us to seek Him diligently in order to experience His peace. As we rest in His peace He will confirm His unique purpose for us. And finally, our all-powerful and omnipotent Lord will bring the provision necessary for us to be victorious through His almighty power.
Dear Lord, give us greater faith each day to bring Your Kingdom wherever our foot treads. Let us learn to hear Your voice above all others. Oh Holy Spirit fill us afresh each day with Your overcoming power, peace and love. May the joy of our Lord be our strength.