We see what’s going on right here in America and across the globe. Here at the Zephaniah Movement COGI, we don’t want you to be scared or desensitized to what is taking place. We do want you to gather your bearings and not move in anxiety and fear. It was anxiety and fear that kept the children of Israel wandering for 40 years. (Exodus 32:1) It was anxiety and fear that called for a physical king when the people already had our Heavenly Father leading them. (2 Samuel 8:3-4) It was fear that allowed Peter to take his eyes off Jesus while walking on water, causing his own fear to come to pass. (Matthew 14:30)
We are in unprecedented times but we serve an all knowing God. We cannot allow what we witness from the world cause harm to our soul. So as the world shifts, shift your focus to make sure you are firmly planted in God. Whatever area in ourselves that we are weak in, we must get deliverance from it now before we fall victim to it. Whether we struggle with our faithfulness, flesh, pride, or any other area of our lives, take it God. There may come a time where we fall to our fleshly desires and we won’t have a way out of our situation. The good news is we have our Father who is calling for us to draw closer to Him. His intentions to draw us closer to Him have been written about numerous times in the Bible. We have to ask ourselves if the leaders we believe in and follow have pure intentions with us? Now is the time to ask the Lord for sharper discernment so that we won’t be lulled into a false sense of security. The world is not OK and the world will not get better. This world will continue to get worse. Draw close to the Father and further away from your own worries. There is safety in the Father’s arms.
Some may wonder, “How can there be safety in His arms when there’s so much going on in the earth?” Our Heavenly Father is not heartless and He sees everything that takes place on earth. He has given man free will over their lives and that includes those who choose to allow sin to run their life. It will not be enough to just claim God and Jesus but those who have acted in sin will pay for their choices. Whether that’s on earth, in eternity or both. Earth is and has always been a temporary home. Dear brothers and sisters, there is a place prepared for us in heaven. If we are children of God we must remember that and speedily put this reminder in our hearts: Earth is temporary. 2 Timothy 4:18 tells us, “And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom.” God will save us, keep us and shepherd us into our forever, heavenly home.
Now as we wait for our Savior, Jesus Christ, there is still work we must do! We cannot just be chilling, twiddling our thumbs. The Lord is calling for us to show the world His love and draw them closer to Him. If we allow the Lord to pour in us, there will be such an overflow of His goodness, love, and grace that we won’t be able to help but share it with the world. As children of the Most High God the world does not get to take away our willingness to love the people of God. We urge you, brothers and sisters of the world, to toughen your skin, straighten your back, and be a mighty warrior for God! Now the world may think our enemy is another human being but we as Christians understand that our fight is with the enemy, satan. (Ephesians 6:12) We cannot allow him to think he has victory over us or divide us from people.
With that being said, we understand that we are all humans and sometimes have very real human emotions. We offer up these small tips to help navigate us away from a sense of worry and have peace in our hearts:
Take breaks from the news and social media- It’s important to be well informed but taking breaks can help calm nerves and preserve your mental health. The internet will even present things in a way that can be overwhelming and cause us to feel anxious.
Read thoroughly, research if necessary- Social media and even the news can sensationalize information and sometimes write things in a way to evoke high emotions. Don’t just read the headlines, read the articles as well. Most times the articles aren’t as scandalous as the title.
Pray & read your Bible- This may seem like a no brainer but with everything going on the last few weeks we can be sucked into worldly things which causes our studies and time with God to falter. In prayer time ask for more discernment and peace because we’re definitely going to need it!
Trust God- No seriously, trust God. This is the most important tip. There may be times you can’t see God’s hand in a situation but trust! He is there!
However you use these tips make sure to keep God first! And we encourage you (like always) to find your church home. We would love to have you at the Zephaniah Movement but if that’s not advantageous we encourage you to look for a Holy Spirit filled church wherever you are located!
Dear reader, we would like to leave you with a prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are truly blessed to be connected through this medium. We pray, Lord God, for those who have hardened hearts. Please soften their hearts and turn their ears towards You. We pray for those who have become worried and feel fear from the things they see going on in the world. We ask that You fill them with peace and draw them closer in Your arms. Give us the confidence we need to not fall victim to fear and the confidence to look toward You for all understanding. And as we wait for the return of Jesus Christ give us the energy to spread the gospel to others. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
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