Lift Up Your Head

As I was running along the road, I had my head down and my eyes fixed on the tarmac in front of me. Runs are a great time for me to pray and, as I did so, I sensed God tell me to stop and look up. The sky portrayed the picture of a typical, beautiful Scottish spring day - a mixture of patches of blue sky, dark rain clouds and fluffy bits of white. On one side the sky looked rather threatening, but if you looked the other way it looked like glorious weather. I was aware how much God is in charge of the weather and that He can send sun and rain at His pleasure.

The sky that day was a good picture for me, somehow reflecting the current state of the world’s affairs. On one hand, dark clouds have rolled in and darkened the earth. Humanism and the godless ideologies associated with it form a serious threat and it looks like they are here to stay. But on the other hand, so many great things are happening as well.

The fire of the Gospel is sweeping over many nations and more people are coming into God’s Kingdom than ever before in world history. Praise God! It might not be widely reported in the secular media, but revival in places like China, Iran, South America and large parts of Africa are very real. At the same time, we are privileged to witness fulfilment of biblical prophecies as the Lord is bringing Jews from around the entire world back to Israel, in accordance with His ancient promises. God is on the move and nothing the enemy does can stop Him fulfilling His plans.

Just as God sends both the sun and the rain, so also is He completely in charge of the way this world is going. The enemy might be creating havoc, and many people might be turning against Him, but God is able to use it all to bring about His purpose.

Sometimes the struggles we are facing as modern Christians can be frightening, confusing or discouraging. But Jesus told us beforehand that these things would happen and commanded us to be prayerful, watchful, and to look up. He is in control and one day He will return to bring justice and a righteous reign of peace to this earth.

So, if you are feeling challenged by the way the world is going, be encouraged to look up and receive strength and encouragement from Him, who has promised to never leave us. Jesus said to His disciples: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You that You are coming back again. Until that day please give me strength and everything else I need to face the challenges of today and to participate in Your purposes for this world. In Your name I pray, Amen.