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Reflections...

I've spent the afternoon in prayer and going back through my "Quarantine Journal."  The idea to begin writing about what was happening in the world came to me on some social media platform that encouraged having your kids record what life was like during quarantine.  Well, if you know my boys, they would not have enjoyed that activity, so I took it upon myself to record local news, personal feelings, and the like.  It's so hard to believe that we are steadily approaching the one year mark that changed us as a nation.  I am thankful for the first responders and essential workers who put themselves on the front line when so little was known about this virus.  I'm also thankful for the grace and mercy of God in all of this.  

Political feelings aside, let's consider where we currently stand as a nation.  It's been less than a year since the virus became a U. S. pandemic, and vaccine distribution is happening.  Medical professionals now know more about the virus and how best to treat it.  God in His mercy is granting wisdom to those seeking a safe resolution to this problem.  My prayers continue to go with all medical professionals and researchers who have worked tirelessly over the last year to protect the American people.  THEY are the true heroes in this crisis.  Not a politician or political party.

Additionally, the riots that plagued our nation last summer have desisted.  I am thankful that peace has prevailed.  My prayers go with our law enforcement officers and their families as they protect and serve to keep us safe.  It also goes without saying that I also pray for truth to  prevail in every situation and that innocent victims are protected.  The Bible says that God isn't the author of confusion, and blessed are the peacemakers.  For the calm that has settled in this crisis, I am grateful.

The most exciting thing for me is the revival of spirit that I feel so strongly.  There is an awakening of the Church happening all across our nation. Pandemic, riots, and politics may have bombarded us for a season, but the time is now for the church.  Pastor Jentzen Franklin said it best in last Sunday's message: These are not just bad times; these are REVIVAL times.

God is reviving me.  He's reviving His Church.  He is readying us for the harvest, and I know the floodgates are about to burst open.  His promise for us is LIFE and LIFE MORE ABUNDANT.  He assures that greater is HE (God) that's within me (because I'm a temple of the Holy Spirit) than he (Satan-the enemy of all that is good and holy) that's in the world.  See, I don't have to fear or be afraid.  Satan is only in the world; he's not in me!  GOD is in me!

I hope you've got your battle gear on.  This season of revival is being birthed out of heartache and fear of the future.  Friend, we have to have the armor of God ready to stand firm so that when we've done everything we know to do, we still just stand.  

My query today is simple.  What are you standing on?  I would rather depend on a book that has stood the test of time.  For example, do you consider yourself wise?  Well, the Bible says that we shouldn't be wise in our own eyes (Proverbs 3:7).   Maybe our prayer should be, "Teach me good judgement and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments." (Psalm 119:66)  

Perhaps you just "follow your heart." Well, I hate to break it to you, but "the heart is deceitful above all things" (Jeremiah 17:9).  I can personally attest to this.  Just for a moment, consider what your life would look like if you followed GOD'S heart.  The Creator of Heaven and Earth wants to show you an unimaginable love and life.  And the purpose He has for you is beyond anything you could dream.

It must also be said that I'm not depending on a person (or persons) to rescue me or our nation from the mess we've created.  We have a tendency to do that...create messes.  My hope is in the One who can wash away sins and spot clean anything that has stained me.  I can be sure-footed on Jesus Christ, the Rock of my salvation.  Humans (even Christian ones) make mistakes.  Unfortunately, the world is usually watching and waiting to tear us apart when we do fall.  Thankfully, I can fall into Jesus.  He lifts my face and reminds me of how He sees me.  I'm not a disaster.  And He reminds me that falling means that I'm MOVING.  Pastor Chuck said it best, "If you fall, fall forward.  Get up and keep going forward."  So the world, maybe even people I care about, may not understand and may criticize the way I believe.  But I know in my heart that the only hope for America is Jesus Christ.  I will continue to hide under the shelter of His wings as He fights the battle for and prepares my heart for the revival that's stirring.

Get ready...it's coming.

© Jill Cook, Unbroken & Undone Ministries. All rights reserved.


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