Promises, Promises

Written by Melissa Sharpe

One can't open a paper or turn on a TV screen without hearing more dreadful news. The world is weighted and the oppression is palatable.

Dissension. Disagreements. Corruption. Confusion. Awful, unlawful sin from the flesh.

We, as Christians, cannot ignore all that is happening around us even though ignorance truly is bliss. For we, as Christians, need to be compelled by the Spirit to pray for the world in which we live. It is not the kingdom our heart longs for, but the playground to the enemy of our soul. And it is not the promises of man on which we can stand...but the promises of God.

The promises I am most compelled to pray for is that of His presence, provision and peace. Not a day nor hour passes me by without a quiet cry from my soul for Him to make all that is wrong in the world right again.

When worry is our constant companion, we can easily forgo the promise in exchange for internal conflict. When fear makes its presence known, it does not wait for an invitation but slips in when we are not paying attention. And when we allow the anger of an unjust world to take captive of our tongue, we become prisoners to our unjust thoughts and feelings.

So, let us encourage one another to be vigilant to pray upon His promises, eager to witness His Word at work around us. Let us embolden one another to be diligent in sharing our faith with the faithless, the curious, and those whose unbelief is worn with honour. And let us lean into the Holy Spirit for the wisdom to know the difference.

“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:25-27