“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!“
Psalm 33:12
Background
Did you know that there are approximately 195 countries commonly recognized in the world today? There are 54 countries in Africa, 48 countries in Asia, 44 countries in Europe, 33 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, 14 in Oceania, historically referred to as Australasia, and 2 in North America. Taiwan, The Cook Islands, and Niue were not included in the count for different reasons, but they are certainly worth mentioning for the sake of this post). We don’t want to leave anyone out!
Think about It
It is easy to get caught up in our own world. As a mom, my top-priority is to teach our children about Jesus, our Lord and Savior. It is important for them to be rooted in His Word. As an American citizen, I am afforded the opportunity to serve Jesus freely in our nation; however, that is not everyone’s reality. We have brothers and sisters in Christ who are being martyred for the faith all over the world. For example, there are horrific, heart breaking reports about people in Nigeria who are losing their homes, churches, and ultimately their lives for serving Jesus. I can’t put my head in the sand, and pretend like our nation is the only one who needs prayer and support. I have to look beyond my circumstances, and show compassion toward others nations.
Go to the Father
John 3:16-17 states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” The word WORLD jumped out at me three times. Why is that important? It’s a gentle reminder that Jesus came for every nation, not just mine! When he sent the disciples to spread the gospel, he did not limit them to one nation. He said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20 ESV). Therefore, as we embark on this soul searching journey, we have to look beyond our circumstances, and consider our brothers and sisters all over the world. When John wrote the book of Revelation, he saw a great multitude of every nation. He said, “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hand” (Revelation 7:9 ESV). What that clearly tells me is that the United States is just one of many nations that will be represented when Jesus comes back for his bride, the church. So, I can’t be hyperfocused on my nation. The assignment is to reach nations. Let’s grab our journals and pray about it.
Where’s Your Journal?
Pray about It
Dear Father,
To be honest, I don’t know where to begin. If I’m being honest, my prayers seem small and insignificant at this moment. Praying for nations that I’ve never stepped foot in seems like a tall task, one that is much bigger than me. Yet, when I think about who you are, nothing is too big for the Creator of the world.
The book of Revelation mentions a bowl that holds our prayers, so I want our bowls for nations to overflow. As I looked at the list, my eyes were drawn to countries that started with the letter “I.” So, I would like to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who live in Israel, Iran Iraq, India, Iceland, Indonesia, Iceland, and Italy. I would also like to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who live in Mexico, Nigeria, and Russia today.
May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Through the help of the Holy Spirit, I pray that your walk with Christ, resembles that of Paul, who found contentment and joy even during moments of persecution. I pray blessings over your families for generations to come! May your children’s children testify about the goodness of Jesus, and live their lives in ways that are pleasing to our Heavenly Father. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen!
#Think about it#
#Go to the Father#
#Pray about it#
#Soul Searching with Our Father#
