This year has, thus far, been full of fear, anger, worry, injustice, violence, illness, instability, and more.  It seems that every week that goes by brings more disaster.  We look at the world and we see no way of effecting change. How can one person, or even a few people, bring back normal?  We can’t, and we know it.    We look at this world, and all that is happening, and we know that it is beyond us.  It is beyond anything we can think of on our own. The fact is, the only one who can effect the needed changes is Jesus.  Not only can he fix the situation, but he can do it more than we can even dream!  Jesus can meet our needs and exceed our dreams!

God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
Ephesians 3:20 MSG

Notice what that verse points to: God doesn’t push us around.  He works within us.  The change in us is meant to effect change outside of us. The change is a what the Holy Spirit does within us.  The Holy Spirit is the one who gives us the courage to follow God’s word and the wisdom to understand what God wants.  In times like today, this is so important.  

The things we face today are more than just physical.  It is more than a virus, racism, violence, natural disaster, or anything else you can think of. We are fighting battles that are more than the physical, they are also spiritual. 

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12 ESV

What does this mean?  It means that these things we see in our lives are indicative of a battle raging in the heavens.  These things that we see now are results of the work of Satan and his demons.  How do we fight that? We pray. This doesn’t mean that we don’t act, but it means we pray first.  

Prayer is the way we talk to God and the way we hear him.  This is how we start our battle.  We reach out to God and ask for his power and strength to do what we need to do.  We pray so that the words we speak will be his words, not our own.  We pray so that his justice will be delivered, and not our emotional responses.  We pray to start our battle.  God’s word is what will defeat the demons.  His word is what will heal.  And he will use us to effect the needed change, if we are willing and follow his direction. 

God used Moses to end the evil practice of slavery against his chosen people.  Moses spoke God’s word to Pharaoh.  Moses used God’s power to perform miracles.  Moses used God’s wisdom to maneuver the situation. Because Moses was willing to be used by God, great miracles happened! Slaves were freed, seas were parted, and food fell from the sky! How did Moses know what to do?  He prayed.  He prayed for wisdom, he prayed for the words to speak, he prayed for help, and he prayed for direction.  God gave him all of these things. 

So when we look at the world today, when we become overwhelmed by the sin and darkness, we need to turn to God.  Take to him your hurts and fears, and let him heal you.  Tell him your failures and let him restore you.  Ask him for the wisdom to respond and let him guide you.  Show him your willingness to follow and let him give you the courage to act. 

When Christians do that, the battle truly starts, and victory is assured because Jesus hasn’t just won the battle.  He has already won the war!

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 ESV

Have you prayed over the things you see in the world? Do so now, and everyday.  

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you if there are any areas that you need to repent of.

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see the issues through God’s eyes, not the eyes of the world.

Every time you feel the need to act, take it to God first.  Make sure the action is in God’s will for you so that you act in his power.

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