We learned from a police officer friend that Black Lives Matter was coming to our town! They would be protesting the next morning at 11 AM in a park across the street from our California Mission.
We’ve seen what happens with many peaceful protests. They can become violent, destructive and dangerous. Is there anything we can do besides wait, watch and pray?
I was reminded of the story in 2 Chronicles 20 where King Jehoshaphat learned that a great army was coming to destroy them. He told his people to fast. Then he went to God in prayer. He was assured there was no need to fear because the battle would be the Lord’s. Jehoshaphat then appointed men to sing to the Lord, to praise God for His glory and holiness. The musicians marched out in front of the army, saying “Give thanks to the Lord, for His steadfast love endures forever.” As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the approaching army. God fought the battle for them and the enemy was defeated! Indeed, the Lord DID fight for His people and won the battle!
A friend and I recognized this is what God wants us to do as well! We both agreed to contact praying friends and ask them to meet us up at “the cross” at 9 AM. The cross is high on a hill that overlooks the city and is situated directly above the mission and the park.
The next morning at 9 AM the prayer warriors began praying, singing and praising God. We went to battle in a powerful way – against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Hours later we learned the BLM protest had ended peacefully. God had answered. What a faithful God we have!
Incidentally, there was no local news coverage. Yet a friend in Europe sent a video of the news coverage there! It showed lots of screaming of profanity, interrupted by police on a megaphone saying, “This protest has crossed the line into what we deem a riot. This is not Portland and we are fully equipped and ready to stop violence of any kind; please disburse immediately, head east out of town.” That ended it.
- For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12
Note: Nearly three years ago there was a wildfire in our community and hundreds of homes burned. The olive trees on the hill surrounding the cross were destroyed. The cross itself stood strong! The only evidence of fire we see today is the slight burn on the left side of the cross bar. Only God.
- DO NOT BE ANXIOUS – By Kathleen
[This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.godlife.com/gospel/ and http://www.godlife.com/en/about-christianity
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I love your response, and the policeman, and God’s..
God bless you! always.
Thank you, Carla, for your encouragement.
We will trust in Him at all times. Thank you for sharing
Absolutely! He IS faithful!
Kathleen, that’s good. Perhaps other cities need to try prayer that way. If we believe, prayer can make a difference in any situation.
Thank you, Frank! I completely agree! God IS faithful!
Not only does praying to God answer our daily challenges, but I also encourage tithing. I was skeptical when I first started my tithe. But in the long run, I have found that the Lord does take care of those that tithe. Try it. You will like it.
I agree, Jerry… I’ve been tithing for decades and yes, God does bless us when we tithe! But when we need to go to battle against the powers of this dark world, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms, we need to pray and praise! This is what King Jehoshaphat did in 2 Chronicles 20.