When God Lets It Happen...

Churches are on fire. Literally. Synagogues are being attacked. Innocent people are being victimized. And, while it looks like several random racists incidents, some in the church might question why God is allowing this to happen. That's because Christians know that nothing happens without God's approval or His knowing. So, God must be up to something right? You better believe it. 

Lean Not on Your Own Understanding...

I remember having a dream once that I was in church and the outside of the building was on fire. I went outside to tell someone I could clearly see the flames, but I understood that it was safer INSIDE. I didn't understand what this dream meant until I met a Coptic Christian from Egypt who happened to be my delivery person (no coincidences with God). This was just around the time when there was a bombing in Egypt and I prayed for the man's family. But, his response surprised me.

"No, we're not worried. We count it all joy. God is using us for His glory. And, our families have gone home to be with the Lord. We will see them again," the young man said. While he was clearly saddened, he understood God had a purpose and a plan. And, that we must trust God and not worry because we have eternal life so we are reunited with our loved ones. I was just so shocked by how he said it. I didn't think he was saying that they were martyrs but he spoke with such peace. I believe he had the kind of faith the disciples did after Jesus ascended to heaven. You see, attacks will come and in these last days, it will get worse for the Church but we are safe because we have Jesus.

For it is written,

• So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him, (Isaiah 59:19).
• Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all, (Psalm 34:19).
• And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose, (Romans 8:28).
• Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee, (Hebrews 13:5).
• Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ, (Phillippians 1:6).
• These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God, (1 John 5:13).
• For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, [nothing] shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord, (Romans 8:38-39).
• Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness, (Isaiah 41:10).
• The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, (Deuteronomy 31:8).

We're in a season where the mark of the beast is showing up in different ways and coming against the Body of Christ. But, it's not a time to get alarmed or to fear man. On the contrary, God is working and moving on our behalves. And, God has a plan. But, in order for us to get through these seasons of hatred and racism, it's important to understand that there are a few rules we need to follow:

Read your Bible each day for encouragement.

Read through Psalms, Luke, John, Joel, Matthew, Daniel and Mark. Try to get in one hour a day with reading whether its 30-minutes in the morning and at night or all at once. If you go to the gym, read your Bible on the stationary bike or elliptical. Or, listen to it on your commute or lunch hour. You HAVE TO use the Bible to filter out the negativity and filth this world tries to put inside you.

Walk in love ONLY and don't war in the flesh.

The devil has been playing games trying to catch people off guard with sudden accusations and attacks. Don't fall for it. Arm yourself mentally each day with prayer and don't overreact if you're tired - Don't even open your mouth because the devil is looking for a way in.

Remember, you're not alone.

Satan sends relentless attacks to wear you down. But, God has a hedge of protection around you. Don't be afraid or embarrassed to call the elders of the church for prayer. Call a prayer support line. Go to the altar call. Reach out to prayer ministries online. Call a neighbor that goes to church.

When my mom was going through her cancer treatments, I went to the altar call that first Sunday and said, "Please, we need help." When we were at the hospital once after her radiation we passed a priest and I said, "Oh good, you're here. We need prayer, please." And he gave us communion, praise God.

When you have someone else pray for and over you, they become your intercessors. Meaning, they get on the front line and contend with the enemy because you're weary from battle fatigue.  

Wait on God. And, call on Jesus.

When God allows something, it means He's going to work it in our favor. That church that burned down is receiving millions in online donations. Their new church will be better. Whatever the enemy has stolen from you, remember, this is the year for restoration. What God is sending will be better so don't look back in regret. Keep your eyes focused on God and trust Him to make the way. He is restoring His people. 

I wrote last month about a dream I had.  I saw people on a bus and I was trying to witness to them and tell them about all the things that were going on in the world but they were oblivious. Jesus said to me that it wasn't what He wanted me to do. He said, "Just tell them to call on me." I understood. It wasn't about long-winded conversations - - or conversions - - Jesus just wants us to call Him and invite Him in so He can fix it. 

Have faith.

While it looks like the Church is losing or that racists are winning, that's not true. Trust God in every test and storm to work it in your favor. And, use the lesson I learned.

When the company I worked for messed up our payroll, I was without income for a month. It was horrible. My fridge was so empty I was down to stale bread and oatmeal but God kept me. At one point, as I was checking emails, one of the managers stated there wasn't anything else he could do. I slumped in my seat with my head down. All of a sudden, I heard God say, "I have not ruled." I realized, God has the final say, not man. I was making a mistake and going by what THEY said when I should have turned to God to see what HE had to say. The situation was resolved and most of the companies where I had bills waved the late fees. 

While it might look like the end or that your walking a tight rope, as long as you've got God, you're secure. DO NOT GO BY WHAT YOU SEE. The devil is trying to make it look like he's winning. He's not. Read the book of Revelations. The devil loses in the end and he's losing now. Stay focused, read your Bible, keep the TV off and do things that add value. Take up piano. Read books again. Start painting. Sign up for a cooking class or work on new recipes online. Build a new shelf. Remodel your bathroom. And, importantly, wait on God. Good things are coming to God's people. Watch and see. The devil is defeated in Jesus's name and by God's Authority! This is God's territory!