Nisha is a woman in India who writes to me via Global Media Outreach. She is growing in her Christian faith, but she is fearful:
“We have always thought of America as strong and good. The world has looked to America to lead. I feel America may becoming weak. I am afraid. If America falls, we all fall!”
I responded, “Dear Nisha, There is much we cannot control. But we can rest in the truth that ultimately, God IS in control. Moreover, there is hope and security for each of us who trust in Jesus Christ. You have received Him as your personal Savior. You are secure for all eternity. This life we live on earth is temporary and it’s going to disappoint. We cannot depend on government leaders to save us and make things right. Jesus promised that in this life we would have tribulation.
“Whether we approve of our leaders or not, God wants us to pray for them and their decisions. God wants us to love others and share the good news of Jesus with them. We are not to fear. We are told in 2 Timothy 1:7 that ‘God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind’ (KJV).
When you begin to praise God and thank Him for even the difficulties in your life, you will find that the fear will lift. You will begin to trust God more; trusting God is what the Christian life is all about. You will also experience the peace of God that passes understanding. That peace will actually protect your mind and your heart. I have experienced that peace, Nisha. You will too.”
- I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33
- Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
- SONG: DO NOT BE ANXIOUS – by Kathleen
Good counseling and a good word in your response Kathleen. Brought to my mind a verse in Hebrews 11: “NOW FAITH is the assurance of the things we hope for, being the proof of things we do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]” (verse 1 – Amplified bible).
Thanks Mel. Your amplified verse from Heb. 11 is so very apropos!
This was a great reminder, Kathleen, obey God’s mandate to pray indeed for our nation’s leaders. You reminded me that even in the midst of God judging our nation we do not have to fear, even when God judges America and brings about calamity, because greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world. So, yes, I will pray for our leaders and our nation, for God’s perfect will to be done, for God to be glorified and for leaders who do not know Him to come to faith in the One true God.
There are far, far too many people…even Christians… who believe this same thing. We can never put our hope and faith in any man made institution. Only God is worthy of that kind of trust. Let us all ‘set our eye on things above, not earthly things’ and trust Him with our whole lives. Thanks Kathleen!
Thanks Ka. It’s all about trusting God and not man.
Thanks Linda. We are on God’s team. Ultimately He is in control, but He wants us to pray and trust Him. We will do that.