Romans 8:28
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
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There are no words to fully encompass the capacity of what our world is experiencing right now, but it is during times like these that we so desperately need something to cling to. I am choosing to cling to My Heavenly Father who has promised to work ALL things out for good - not some things, not a few things, not the easy things - ALL things. It's easy to remember these Truths when things are going our way. But, as we continue to tread into unknown territory, the promises God spoke in the Bible centuries ago seem more relevant than ever. Here is my prayer for us...
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Lord,
I pray for our world.
My heart breaks for the fear and chaos that is sweeping our nation, our world. My heart breaks for the people who are being forced to stay at home in a place where the walls around them feel nothing like home. My heart breaks for the children whose educations are being threatened by a fear of being left behind and whose biggest concern right now is where their next meal will come from if they aren't at school. My heart breaks for the elderly and the sick whose best efforts at avoiding this pandemic also depend on how the rest of us respond. My heart breaks for the healthcare workers working tirelessly and fearlessly to fight a force that they can't even see. My heart breaks for the lives that have already been lost and for the people still fighting this battle. My heart breaks for the athletic seasons that were cut too short, the senior year's that aren't going to end as expected, the investments that won't be returned, and the plans that have been forced into change. My heart breaks for the companies and the people who quite literally can't afford the chaos that is erupting around us.
But, more than anything, my heart breaks for a world that seems to have forgotten that we are Yours.
We are submerged in waters that could bring out our worst angles - anger, fear, panic, selfishness. But, on the other hand, this could be an opportunity in disguise to reconnect with the best of ourselves. We can use this time to genuinely talk to each other without the distractions that we've become so attuned to. We can give to those in need and contribute to the increasing number of organizations that are fighting for each other. We can love each other and pray for one another, like never before.
With the abundance of voices and opinions competing for our attention, it's easy to drown out Your gentle voice that has been here all along, Lord. But, help us to redirect our attention to Our God who is unshakeable, immovable, and ever-almightly. Help us to shift our perspectives to hope. Help us to focus on only You, Lord.
You have saved nations before, even when all odds were stacked against them. You have fed 1000's of people with less than a shopping basket of food. You have performed miracles, even when no one believed you could. You have promised to protect us, provide for us, and cover us in Your majesty - and I know you keep your promises.
Behind this unimaginable and unexplainable pandemic is a God who is able, faithful, and so good. You make a way, even when we can't see past what's right in front of us. Your plans are not swayed or thwarted by the things of this world. You are our light, our hope, and our peace - even at a time like this.
Lord, help us to lift each other up and love one another. Don't let this pandemic uproot our hope that is firmly planted in You. Protect us, Lord, and help us to never forget that we are in Your hands.
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Psalm 91
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
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Stay blessed,
Alyssa