Faith like a mustard seed…the yellow flowers of the mustard plant.
I know, kind of a depressing title, right? But if you’ve been monitoring the news the past week or so, maybe you understand a bit what I mean.
My heart has been heavy for those in Nepal, with loved ones buried under piles of earthquake rubble…for those in Baltimore, where pain and frustration and injustice have erupted in looting and violence…for people right around me, including myself, struggling with burdens from health issues to relationships.
I was going to try and write something eloquent in response to all these difficult things going on in the world. But then I realized I wasn’t quite up to the task—not only did I feel too drained, but I don’t have the answers anyway. Why should I act like I do?
Instead, what I’ve felt the Lord pressing on my heart more than anything this week is just to pray, and to be mindful that our prayers have power—that He uses them to accomplish His purposes of redemption and healing in this world. And also to listen to those who are hurting, as this article reminds, and not close my heart off from suffering just because it all feels too overwhelming. I’m thankful Jesus didn’t do that, and still doesn’t.
These scriptures have encouraged me this week, giving me hope and perhaps a clearer perspective. God’s perspective. I hope they encourage you too.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with
which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints…
~Ephesians 6:12-18 (emphasis added)
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
~Romans 12:15
We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one
. And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
~I John 5:19-20
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
~John 16:33
What is heavy on your heart this week? What brings you hope when the world seems to be falling apart? Please feel free to comment and share!
When my heart is heavy, as it has been lately, it’s hard for me to see outside myself. I have a tendency to isolate as I process. Today, the Lord brought me hope through the clarity and kindness of a friend. She asked thought provoking questions and spoke truth. What a blessing!
And yes, our prayers have power. Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks so much for sharing, Jenni. I’m so sorry your heart has been heavy lately, but so glad for the gift of your friend and her words to you. Friends who speak truth in love can be such an incredibly tender touch from the Lord in our lives in rough seasons! I’ve experienced a bit of that this week myself.
May the Lord bless you and give you peace, friend. Thanks for commenting!