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How the power of the Word and your obedience are changing the world and advancing the Kingdom
THIS past year,( the past several years actually), I
have seen some amazing things take place around the world. God has been working in some of the darkest places in the world. We are witnessing doors open, and thousands come to faith in Christ. Countries that have been opposed to Christianity for generations are softening, and we are all praying that God will not only continue to open borders but open hearts as well!
At the same time, we are also seeing a diminishing of“ light” around the world and here in our own country. I’ m not talking about politics or presidents or which cable news station you prefer— but rather, about a fundamental loss of hope.
There are so many articles in the news and on social media now that discuss the effects of people becoming more and more hopeless. A rise in depression, or at least a rise in those that seem to suffer under its burden. A rise in anger towards other people. We are getting more and more angry about what people think, not do. A rise among believers in the notion that prayer just isn’ t enough anymore. A rise in the notion that the Bible is not even a book worth reading. In light of what we are seeing worldwide, this trend is especially heartbreaking.
Scripture Gives Us Everything We Need
That Psalmist says this:“ Many are saying of me,‘ God will not
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deliver him.’ But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from His holy mountain. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side”( Psalm 3:2-6, NIV).
I love reading the Psalms. They comfort, they challenge, they encourage and they calm me. And I love what this passage tells us: God does deliver us. He is a shield, our glory, the One who lifts our heads. He answers us, He sustains us when we can’ t sustain ourselves. We can be fearless regardless of our circumstances.
This story was shared at the
National Rally this past June: In North Korea, a 12-year old girl discovered a copy of the Bible in a hidden closet. She didn’ t mean to find it.“ I don’ t know why, but I started to feel inside the cabinet with my hand. When I felt a book, I pulled it out. I opened the book and began to read:“ In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.’” Shivering, she dropped the book. The girl didn’ t know who had hidden the Bible, but she knew the discovery could cost her life.“ I was afraid to touch the book, but I couldn’ t just leave it there,” she said. Gathering her courage, she closed her eyes and put the Bible back into its hiding place.
Later, she learned that her father had hidden the Bible. He and her mother began to teach her about the Gospel. Today, she follows Jesus.
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I can almost hear this little girl praying that passage from Psalm 3. Praying for a shield, not knowing who the shield is. Praying for someone to lift her head high, but having no tender hands to do so. Wanting to call out, but fearful of who might respond. Wanting to be sustained while she lies down to sleep, and not having to fear the millions around her who might harm her if she is caught with … a Bible. And not yet knowing that one of the most powerful forces in the universe is in her hands— God’ s Word. God’ s promises in Scripture are breathtakingly powerful. Both in their words, and Who said the words. If God is all powerful, then His Word is all powerful.
2 Timothy 3:16-17( NASB) tells us,“ All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” Everything we need to be equipped for the work of the gospel can be found in Scripture. It’ s not just about God, it was inspired by God. The Gospel teaches, reproofs, corrects and trains us in every way we need.
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