My monthly contribution to the Women’s Ministry blog went through many re-writes before settling on this longer than normal post. I had a conversation with God about what to write and felt him prompting me to gain a little clarity by engaging in a fast. From food. I don’t fast well. In fact, I’m pretty sure my love language is FOOD.
As protests, riots and violence peaked across the country last week, the declaration of a state wide curfew pushed me to the brink of an epic-sized anxiety attack. I’ve never felt more helpless – and yes, fearful. I can’t even properly articulate the emotional maelstrom happening in my spirit. When added to the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine, it all felt a bit too much.
Fasting may seem like an inadequate way to deal with a crisis, but when combined with prayer, faith, worship music and God’s Word, I found some much-needed peace. I was able to transfer my worries and fears back on to God’s shoulders.
My fast wasn’t lengthy nor restricted to just food. I took a break from social media and news coverage as well. One can only ingest so many horrific stories and images before cracking.
I’m holding on to the life preserver of God’s Word and a few key verses to remind myself WHO is still on the throne and what these racial wars are really all about.
Some of these people have missed the most important thing in life—they don’t know God. May God’s mercy be upon you. 1 Timothy 6:21 (TLB)
I read somewhere (but not sure who to credit) a profound statement that summarizes what is at the core of what’s happening around us:
We aren’t dealing with a SKIN issue – but a SIN issue. We aren’t facing a RACE issue, but a GRACE issue. The world needs Jesus.
I am a sinner. The officer responsible for a black man’s death is a sinner. The people defacing national monuments – all sinners. The smiling little-lady-looter scurrying out of Target carrying lamps, one under each arm, is a sinner. The three officers who stood around watching while a man’s oxygen supply was cut off – also sinners.
Our world is filled with so much hatred and evil. It’s an evil that has no moral compass. Things like looting, violent protesting or beating a person because of their skin color all seem to fall within the parameters of acceptable, justifiable behavior when an individual has no moral compass.
There has been division between the races since the beginning of time. There will ALWAYS be division and unrest between mankind from now until Jesus comes back. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world. (Ephesians 6:12)
As believers, we should invite the Holy Spirit – DAILY – to align our moral compass. Take up your cross daily! (Luke 9:23) We need to pray for the lost and those who take the law into their own hands. We need to pray for those who follow “the herd mentality,” and riot because everyone is doing it.
If every Christian would act like Daniel and drop to their knees three times a day and pray (Daniel 6:10) – or even pray ONCE a day, we could change the outcome of what’s happening.
I can fast and pray, but we need collective prayers to exact change. If my car runs out of gas, it’s unlikely I could push it by myself to the nearest gas station However, if my entire small group rallied around to help, 25 of us working together could push the car a substantial distance. Prayer is more effective when there are many of us praying in faith together. (Matthew 18:20)
We don’t want to hide our Christian heads in the sand and remain oblivious to the plight of our fellow man. We need to weigh and measure everything we hear, everything we see and everything we read against the yardstick of God’s Word … before we judge or before we act.
God’s Word needs to be a lamp unto my feet. Let us pray for our country. Pray for our President. Pray for change. Pray for those caught up in evil. Pray for revival. Pray without ceasing. Jesus is the Waymaker.
Mandisa and Toby Mac sum it all up in one song: We ALL Bleed the Same. Jesus shed HIS blood and died for ALL … whatever our skin color may be.
Blessings in Christ, Kathy K.
Thanks Kathy!
My first thought was that this is really long. It is worth every word and picture. Glad you were obedient. This gives a sane perspective on these mixed up times.
I absolutely love your message. Thank you for sharing these wonderful words.
Thank You for these beautiful words.
Thank you for being obedient and sharing Kathy. Blessings!
Thank you Kathy for such a good directive word and call to action. I’m here to help push your car
Thank you Ladies for your kind words of encouragement! And thank you, Sheri, for letting me know you are there “to help me push my car!” It’s good know there are friends who will show up when you need them!
Kathy,
I really like when you wrote, “We need to weigh and measure everything we hear, everything we see and everything we read against the yardstick of God’s Word … before we judge or before we act.” This is a compelling statement and I believe helps avoids any hypocrisy when we try so attentively live under the obedience of His way.