POWERLESS OR POWERFUL?

 

     When I hear that soft rumble in the distance with gray clouds closing in, I just know that a storm is brewing without anyone saying a word.

     When in conversation, I notice a crease in the listener's forehead, and when one eyebrow goes up, I recognize a reaction; it's time to ask just what they are thinking.

     When I reach out to someone who does not respond in a timely manner, I wait and try again. If they ghost me for days, I understand that they are pushing away from the relationship, and it is not as dear to them as it is to me. I can inquire for clarification, but I already sense that these attempts could be a waste of time.

     There is ready access to information about numerous global events on a daily basis. It is disheartening to witness the death, violence, and uncontrollable rage displayed. The culture's moral decline is evident in the behavior of leaders, judges, teachers, professors, the entertainment industry, movies, and even the clergy.

     The level of negative energy and violence perpetrated on innocent people demands more than just a sigh or words that express regret and dismay.

     What is my role as a Christian in all of this? Do I just wring my hands and complain to anyone who will listen? I am only one person and not a huge influencer, so am I helpless to affect this onslaught?

     I have some good news for you! The opposite is true. You are a significant influencer because you have a direct line to the Creator of the Universe. Prayer is one way to contribute to changing the world's challenging situations today. Here is one definition wrapped in an acronym. Prayer is...

P= a POWERFUL

R=RESOURCE

A=ALLOCATED

Y=to YOU

E=to EXERCISE

R=for REFORM

     Prayer, we find that this is one thing the disciples asked Jesus to teach them about. They noted how Jesus went off alone daily to spend time with God, and they saw the fruit of his life. A life full of love, compassion, tremendous teachings on the kingdom of God, and daily demonstrations of power through the many miracles they witnessed.

Zechariah 4:6 ASV...'Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty.

     To pray is an action verb. It is a powerful tool in the Kingdom of God, to be used for God's glory, for His purposes, to improve the earth. Jesus used it daily to connect with God the Father for inspiration, direction, strength, and power. King Solomon wrote:

Proverbs 18:21 AMP

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.

     Matthew quotes Jesus teaching that the condition of hearts will be judged by the words spoken:

Matthew 12:37 NIV

By your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.

     What I speak and pray aloud is a form of documentation that affects the universe, as well as a reflection of my beliefs.

     The media, Internet, books I read or listen to, and the voices around me daily leave an effect. Yet, I also affect the atmosphere, world events, and others around me when I speak or react. 

     Stop and ask yourself, "What am I speaking?" I challenge you. Do you speak words of faith to God about these things and then declare out loud solutions and truths to set good things in motion to combat the evil? Or do you passively stand by as an observer, giving commentary without participating in creating a better world?

     This is where the rubber meets the road. Do you believe that God is mighty to intervene? Do you take the cue to pray the Word into these situations? Or do you sit and wring your hands in frustration at the breaking news?

     I have to admit that my first reaction is not always one of power, but more of the whiny baby. Some days it feels like evil is just moving in an intense wave, which, unchecked, can discourage and weaken me.

     How can I stay in tune so that my words will be beneficial? Every day demands preparation. I can not anticipate everything that might confront me, so it is essential to begin the day by reading the Bible. Be grounded in sanity, truth, and wisdom; this power can only come from God, our Creator.

     James Hudson Taylor was a British Protestant Christian missionary who spent fifty-four years in China, founding the China Inland Mission, which brought over 800 missionaries to this country. Because of his powerful ministry, I respect and paid close attention when I heard his quote: 

"Do not have your concert first, and then tune your instrument afterwards. Begin the day with the Word of God and prayer, and get first of all into Harmony with Him."

     Begin by connecting with the Source. Prepare mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually for the day. A light bulb that is disconnected from electricity has all the components within to radiate and bring light into a room, but until it is screwed it into a socket and the light switch turned on, it does not function as it was designed. 

     You and I were also created by design, and to achieve maximum benefits, understanding the Bible and what it teaches us about what is normal in the Kingdom of God is imperative for overcoming a mindset influenced by a culture that has lost its spiritual moorings.

      You and I were made to be more than just a person drifting through life, adapting to whatever is thrown at us, a reactor only. We were meant to create and to care for this earth and its inhabitants, just as our Father God, the Creator.

     Jesus responded and taught the disciples when they asked him how to pray. The key focus is mentioned in verse ten. Our goal for living and the choices we make are this:

Matthew 6:10 NIV (Jesus's words here referring to his Father) "your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

     Herein is the power. Spend time getting to know about the kingdom by reading the Bible. Meditate on it, ask questions, and listen to God. This is how to learn about God's true plan for creation and the authority he has given to men and women here to follow through to see earth transformed.  

     When we unselfishly petition God out of humility for the betterment of our world, people, and circumstances, and it lines up with what God knows is best, then he hears and will answer one way or another. Sometimes quickly, other times in his own time, so that all things that need to be ordered may be done. Sometimes the answer is no. Either way, trust God's all-knowing, all-seeing, and all-loving answers.

     When there is a stirring within, a sense of urgency to do something, this is the time to be reminded: be still, listen, and press in. Then, declare what god is saying to you about this request. 

     In this way, you are powerful, helpful, and with an obedient voice calling out, the atmosphere will be stirred up for change.