Friday the 13th
Some mornings my devotions “gang up on me” – every source I turn to is “hammering” the same message. I have learned to “give up and listen”.
This was Friday the 13th – the 13th of March, 2020. The Covid 19 pandemic was less than a week old (in my world).
Mornings With Jesus, Vol 6, No. 2 started things off. Sharon Hinck, author of the day, wrote, “I continued to pray for Jesus to fix my attitude, but I also asked Him to give me the courage to keep risking, reaching out, and planning activities where people might not show up. Because that’s what love does.”
Sharon’s entry was written months and months ago! How did she know?? We had just started a new women’s group at church; ladies were canceling!! The Leader of my Toastmaster District (#62) sent an email – don’t meet in person (or words to that effect). What is going on???
Following suit, Streams in the Desert, L.B. Cowman, Zondervan, 1984, page 113. “Yes, singing in the fire! God helping us, sometimes using the only way He can to get harmony from our hard and apathetic hearts.”
I know I’m to expect “troubles”, but fire?? That bad, Lord? I gotta sing??
Next was Victorious Living, E. Stanley Jones, Abingdon Press, 2015, page 73. “O Christ, we thank you that you are claiming the whole of life – the whole. For we can tolerate no longer these paralyzing divisions. Help us to end them by bringing everything under your sway. Amen.”
Yes, Lord. We know you’re in charge. Bring us back together!
Ah hah! Abundant Living, E. Stanley Jones, Abingdon Press, 2014, page 73. “Every Foe You Face is a Defeated Foe (title for the day). You need not be defeated by anything unless you consent to be.”
As Joyce Meyer says, “You do what you can do, then God will do what you cannot do.” I can remember The Word. I can keep it in my heart – speak it out like a two-edged sword! Therefore, I called this my “Refute the Corona Virus Panic” day.
Things went well. But now…just when businesses are starting to open…there is hope of resuming our “out and about” lifestyle…we are faced with riotous demonstrations! Our fragile businesses are pummeled with violence in the midst of reopening. This is not acceptable behavior!! This is Mob Rule!! Help us, Lord! Help us!!
Today is June 5, but these words from Friday the 13th echo in my head.
Jesus give me courage to keep risking and reaching out.
God helps us to sing in this fire!
These divisions are paralyzing us, Lord. Help us!
I do not consent to be defeated…
YOU, Lord, have given me a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline!! 2 Tim 1:7
YOU, Lord God, make all things work for the good of those who love YOU!! Rom 8:28
YOU, God Almighty, are my shelter and my refuge; you will rescue me because I love YOU!! Ps 91:1,4,14
6/5/20