Dear friends I hope you all are doing well. Most of you are probably busy with your every day life, I really appreciate you taking a moment out of your day to read this.
You've probably heard about the recent shootings going on, and like me it probably stirred your spirit. It grieves my heart that this is happening. After praying for the families that lost loved ones, I heard the words "faith over fear" go through my mind over and over again. I thought about it and it makes sense how hearing devastating news like this can cause fear to enter homes, families and our every day lives. But if you know me, then you most likely know that I am not friends with fear or worry, because greater is HE that lives in me then he that is in the world. Amen??
What I received in my spirit, was confirmation of what the Lord has already been putting on my heart. And that is to make a difference. We can all agree that if we could stop the evil in this world then we would. But since we can't do that, what can we do?
When we bought our house and even as we were remodeling, I kept asking my self one question, why this house? In my mind I had envisioned and wanted something different, more of a forever, dream home. So my attitude towards this home was very temporary. But after my husband asked me why I look at it that way, I had to stop and ask myself the same thing. I prayed and asked the Lord why he gave us this home and how can I change the way I feel about it. And he answered me fairly quickly!
Since moving to this state I had started to pray that the Lord will expand my relationships and that I would befriend more people that don't know him on a personal level. I asked him to take me out of my comfort zone and teach me how to be friends with people who are different that I. This is also what I had wanted for my children.
Little did I know that moving into this house would answer my prayers! After I asked the Lord to show me why he gave us this home, he reminded me of those desires and prayers. Instantly all my feelings were flipped from wondering why we didn't get our dream home, to being so grateful that we are in this specific place, at this perfect time.
My kiddos have made friends with the neighbors children. And as a family we have been reaching out more to whomever the Lord leads us to. Within even such a short time I already see so much pain, trauma and confusion in the lives of those around us, that do not know Jesus.
The Lord showed me that there are "fostering" opportunities all around me, all these people that are drawn to our home and are in so much need are not to be shooed away or kept distant for fear of bad influence or inconvenience. But they need prayer, they need to hear truth, they need to see what a godly family looks like. That there is love, commitment and trust. Most of all that there is a heavenly Father who loves and cares so much for each and every one of them, whom he created.
Our communities needs the light of Jesus, they need someone to be there with them and pray for them. The children and parents alike. Its been a joy watching my kiddos pray for their new friends every day, to come to know Jesus. We can't guarantee the outcome but we can be committed to sowing seeds of faith, and trust that the Lord is doing his work.
We may not be able to rid the world of evil but we can influence those around us where we are at. Most people live in neighborhoods but how many people truly know their neighbors and pray for them. We are to be a light to this world and that means getting out of our comfort zone. Life doesn’t happen by accident and I know from experience that when I live intentionally I always see someone who can use a friend, a helping hand or a prayer, even without them asking. If each one of us who has the Spirit of the Lord living inside, wakes up each morning looking for opportunities to serve those we come in contact with, the world would be a much better place to live in.Our country would be a safer place to be.
So I challenge you as I do myself, to step out and live in faith, not in fear. Perfect love casts out fear and God is love. He is waiting for us to rise up and stand in the gap, pray and intercede on behalf of those that still don't know him and be a light everywhere we are.
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4
Have a blessed week!