As I write this post, I am mourning with some of my closest friends over the lost of a dear loved one. I cannot being to fathom what they are going through as they deal with this loss.
As they have been dealing with the sickness that cancer brings, our nation has been reeling from the tragedy that happened last week.
I look around and I see the need for prayer everywhere I turn. I think about all of the facebook and twitter posts I saw last week about how people are praying for people in Connecticut. I think it is wonderful that people are praying for those that are hurting. But it makes me sad that tragedy is what has to happen for people to pray for each other.
As I continue to pray for those affected by the shooting and for my dear friends, I just want to challenge you. Don't let tragedy be the only thing brings you to God in prayer for others. Pray for others on a daily basis. Don't let your selfishness hold you back from lifting others up.
And don't think that I am offering this challenge just to you. I am just as guilty about this as anyone. I am challenging myself even more than I am challenging you.
"Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."
Titus 3:1-7 (from http://www.esvbible.org/Titus+3/)
God brought this scripture to me as I was reading my bible this morning. I hope it speaks to you as well.
Thanks for reading.
In God, Emily
Amen. I am with you all the way!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Sarah