How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight. The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted.
Habakkuk 1:2-4 NLT
Ever feel that way?
This was the cry of Habakkuk, a prophet of Judah, when their world seemed to be falling apart. Where was God then? And where is he now? Same answer. He is in control. He is on his throne. His plan will prevail.
So many things happening in today’s world just don’t make sense. That is, they don’t make sense unless we recognize that battles are being fought in the spiritual realm. We also see many earthly causes come into play, but we mustn’t neglect the fact that Satan and his minions know their time is short . . . and they are engaging in all-out warfare.
We can read much about spiritual warfare throughout God’s Word. Jesus engaged in spiritual warfare during his time of temptation. Paul cautioned to be aware of it and prepare.
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:10-12 NLT
He goes on to discuss the importance of wearing the full armor of God and praying in the Spirit. Although that is not the focus of this article, it’s important to be aware of the spiritual realm and to seek God through his Word and through prayer about how to examine our own lives and what we see around us through spiritual eyes.
Yes, God is right here. We are seeing last days prophecies come alive. What an exciting time to experience, keeping our eyes on God!
“Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 46:10 AMP
A better question than “Where is God?” may be “Where are we?” How are we responding during this time? We need to put on God’s armor. We need to stop feeling afraid or hopeless or consumed with anger and frustration. We need to ask God, “What can I do?” As we see all the turmoil around us, we face special challenges—and opportunities. Let’s focus on the opportunities.
We can say, “It’s just too much. There is no way I can make a difference.” Or we can say, “God, what do you want me to do?”
God has created each of us for a purpose. As long as we are on this earth, he has something for us to do. Something he has gifted us to do. Something that will make a difference. And with the evil and chaos that surround us, we need to figure out what that is and say, as Isaiah did, “Here I am, Lord. Send me.” (See Isaiah 6:8.)
Perhaps it’s a day-by-day thing of sharing the gospel with individuals God brings your way. A neighbor, a co-worker, a friend, a server in a restaurant. Be sensitive to his leading. Be bold.
Maybe it’s starting a ministry . . . writing a blog . . . running for political office . . . encouraging others in their ministries . . . engaging in intercessory prayer. The list is endless.
A friend of mine, well into his eighties, has been called to share the name of Jesus. To strangers. Anywhere. When someone says, “Hello, how are you?” he is likely to reply, “I am blessed because of Jesus.” He recognizes the power in that name. His enthusiasm is wonderful, and I believe he is making a difference—one encounter at a time.
I am in my 80s as well and recently retired from editing Christian books and articles. I believe the Lord wants me to focus on bringing believers together to work in unity, supporting and encouraging one another, praying for one another. I am doing that through an online Christian networking directory and two blogs—right here from home. And God is connecting me with wonderful Christian brothers and sisters from around the world, opening a door for ministry to one another and joining forces to reach out to a hurting and lost world.
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
Hebrews 10: 24-25 NLT
I come across so many Christian moms doing blogs and other outreaches to help Christian moms thrive in their God-appointed role.
A businessman and a businesswoman I’ve connected with use their faith and skills to guide Christian business owners in using their secular businesses to advance the Kingdom.
Two of my granddaughters are reaching out to help trafficking survivors find Jesus and rebuild their lives—both in the United States and in Nepal.
A very dear friend of mine (also in her 80s, by the way) has been caregiver for her husband, who had a major stroke, and her sister, who has dementia. And my friend has been dealing with serious health issues as well. But God called her to paint rocks! She studied the names of God and is now using her artistic gifts to paint rocks with one of God’s names and corresponding artwork and scripture. And she is giving them away—to friends, to her doctor . . . wherever she feels led. She sent me two different ones for my last birthday—one to keep and one to share with someone else. At this point I know just who it’s going to and am excited about giving it to her. Even amidst the storm, my friend is hearing God’s voice and reaching out to bless and encourage others.
What is Jesus calling you to do? What is holding you back? Fear? Circumstances? Maybe even your age? Jesus is bigger than all that. He will make a way. He will provide. Just do whatever he is calling you to do . . . he will take care of the outcome.
I like to think of the Church as a gigantic mosaic. God has designed each shape, each color, each material to complete a special part of that mosaic. And when each individual achieves his or her God-ordained purpose, the mosaic becomes beautiful, perfect, accomplishing God’s plan.
Don’t be intimidated by what someone else is accomplishing. Don’t hold back because of fear or anything else. Determine to do what God is calling you to do.
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.
Colossian 3:23 ESV
Karen Weigand, retired from many years of Christian editing, is reaching out to give Christians a platform for uniting, encouraging and praying for one another, through her Christian networking directory, FindChristianLinks.com, and two blogs: MoreChristianLinks.com and PrayForMinistriesAroundTheWorld.blog.
