“The moment when faith is hardest and least likely,then faith is most needed”
When we hear about streams of wildfires, some of which seem to be acts of arson, our first response can usually be to pray away the pain or pray that this will never happen again. People seem to become either too emotionally attached or detached in such events.
How can we pray beyond the fear and shock, beyond the most obvious needs, to have a Kingdom perspective in all of this?
As a nation watches this firestorm on TV, we here in Southern California (some of us can actually smell the smoke burning) from a human perspective are unable to make sense of the horrific situation faced by those whose homes are engulfed in flames.
The flames themselves create vivid imagery that life will not last forever; that there’s an end in mind. They force us to ask, “What really matters in life?”
I received an email yesterday from a friend that gripped my heart;
“As you might know, the So Cal fires are really bad, and the Santiago Canyon Fire is now upon our neighborhood. It is surrounding the community of Foothill Ranch where we live, and there doesn't seem to be enough fire crews or air support to fight it effectively at this point. We have packed up our cars and are ready to evacuate. Would you take a moment to please pray for our community as well as the many others being impacted by this horrendous fire season.”
We have packed up our cars
and are ready to evacuate.
What will we pack in our cars when we are told by an exhausted fireman that it’s time to leave…NOW? It is important to listen to God in these times when our consciences are sensitive because too many times when the embers cool, so does our conscience.
The following are suggestions to draw closer to God in prayer during this firestorm. Take time to reflect on the scriptures below in their context (click on the passage)
Praise
Though it is difficult, start with praise, focus on God's character.
* Praise God that He is sovereign, that He has ultimate control over all, and that nothing takes Him by surprise (Is. 45:5-7).
Petition/Intercession
* Ask God to use this situation to bring unprecedented spiritual openness to people affected by the tragedy, and ask Him to show His face to them.
* Ask God to bless the ministry that will be thrust upon the church or community affected by the tragedy. Ask Him to empower them with a powerful witness when they are called upon to speak about or reflect on the situation.
* Ask God to stand against the enemy's attempts to make families experience unresolved anger or guilt over the loss of loved ones.
* Ask God to focus the minds of public officials on the need for prayer and to provide people who will continue to pray for the situation.
* Ask God to equip leaders who will be called upon to mentor and minister to people in the aftermath of tragedy (Heb. 13:20-21).
* Ask God--for yourself and others--for a passion and love for Christ that drive out fear (1John 4:18).
* Thank God that the enemy has made a tactical error, since martyrdom and persecution have always strengthened the church, and that God will use for good what Satan has intended for harm (Genesis 50:20-21).
* Thank God for the people who will be drawn to seek God's face because the overwhelming nature of the tragedy leaves them nowhere else to turn (Jonah 2:1-9).
* Thank God for a vivid reminder of your own mortality and vulnerability, asking Him to prepare your heart and spirit for a faithful response when you are faced with tragedy.
I received an email yesterday from a friend that gripped my heart;
“As you might know, the So Cal fires are really bad, and the Santiago Canyon Fire is now upon our neighborhood. It is surrounding the community of Foothill Ranch where we live, and there doesn't seem to be enough fire crews or air support to fight it effectively at this point. We have packed up our cars and are ready to evacuate. Would you take a moment to please pray for our community as well as the many others being impacted by this horrendous fire season.”
We have packed up our carsand are ready to evacuate.
What will we pack in our cars when we are told by an exhausted fireman that it’s time to leave…NOW? It is important to listen to God in these times when our consciences are sensitive because too many times when the embers cool, so does our conscience.
The following are suggestions to draw closer to God in prayer during this firestorm. Take time to reflect on the scriptures below in their context (click on the passage)
Praise
Though it is difficult, start with praise, focus on God's character.
* Praise God that He is sovereign, that He has ultimate control over all, and that nothing takes Him by surprise (Is. 45:5-7).
Petition/Intercession
* Ask God to use this situation to bring unprecedented spiritual openness to people affected by the tragedy, and ask Him to show His face to them.
* Ask God to bless the ministry that will be thrust upon the church or community affected by the tragedy. Ask Him to empower them with a powerful witness when they are called upon to speak about or reflect on the situation.
* Ask God to stand against the enemy's attempts to make families experience unresolved anger or guilt over the loss of loved ones.
* Ask God to focus the minds of public officials on the need for prayer and to provide people who will continue to pray for the situation.
* Ask God to equip leaders who will be called upon to mentor and minister to people in the aftermath of tragedy (Heb. 13:20-21).
* Ask God--for yourself and others--for a passion and love for Christ that drive out fear (1John 4:18).
* Thank God that the enemy has made a tactical error, since martyrdom and persecution have always strengthened the church, and that God will use for good what Satan has intended for harm (Genesis 50:20-21).
* Thank God for the people who will be drawn to seek God's face because the overwhelming nature of the tragedy leaves them nowhere else to turn (Jonah 2:1-9).
* Thank God for a vivid reminder of your own mortality and vulnerability, asking Him to prepare your heart and spirit for a faithful response when you are faced with tragedy.
--Take some time in private prayer, lifting up the suggestions or praying whatever God lays on your heart. We unite in prayer. We are a family. Our heart's break for those in need. Let us draw near to God and be used of service in our love towards one another.
More on the power of prayer
More on the power of prayer
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