Winter Is Coming...or Is it Already Here?
These past few weeks have certainly given us cause for concern. Between Hurricane Harvey devastating the city of Houston, Hurricanes Irma and Maria ravishing through countries in the Caribbean and ransacking parts of Florida and most recently, not one, not two but THREE earthquakes in Mexico where the death toll continues to rise; these natural disasters remind us just how little power we have to control Mother Nature.
Of course we can't forget about the man made conflicts brewing between nations around the globe. There have been threats of nuclear wars and civil annihilation, sophisticated hackings of banks and national credit bureaus, while hospital system's databases are being seized for ransom. Even global warming now threatens our way of existence.
Within our own nation tensions continue to rise, from racial discord to bigotry and the lack of appreciation for cultural diversity, the country seems to grow further and further apart and hatred is running high. Nationalist movements and supremacy groups boldly declare their disdain for Jews, Blacks and other people of color, while oppressive and exclusionary legislation are wreaking havoc on communities and ripping families apart. If that wasn't enough, it would be remiss of me not to mention the number of black men who are tragically being murdered by law enforcement with no judicial repercussions.
We are certainly entering into some tumultuous and uncertain times. Yes, winter is here, as so frequently said in the popular series “Game of Thrones.” Winter is here. Not literally but figuratively. People are hurting, scared and frustrated and crying out for help in ways that can sometimes be destructive. It is during these times, humanity must set aside our differences and work towards a more harmonious existence.
During these difficult times we have ahead of us we must pray for the soul of our nation, pray for wise and just leadership and pray for the heart of the world. We must pray and pray without ceasing! The world needs our prayers. God’s word reminds us that “if my people who were called by my name would humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then I would heal the lands (2 Chronicles 7:14).” Our land is in need of healing and no matter how bad the situation may seem our God has equipped us with weapons that supersedes any nuclear threat, any racist overtones or natural disasters and these weapon are the power of prayer, the power of love and the power of unity because we are stronger together and the fervent, effectual prayers of righteous men avails much (John 5:16)!
No one knows for sure what lies ahead but no matter what may come, we will need each other to lean on for strength and hope. We will need each other to weather the storms life will bring. My prayer is despite the dark hours which may lie ahead, there will be an awakening of the spiritual conscience of men and our hearts will be convicted to live harmoniously dependent on each other for “No man is an island unto himself!"
Yes, winter may be coming and many are the afflictions of the righteous but we must remember the Lord can deliver us from all (Psalms 34:19).
Stay encouraged!
Bermesola M Dyer
