A lot is happening in our world right now. You would have to be on an island with no communication in order to not see what’s happening in the world around us. There’s civil unrest with the Black Lives Matter vs. Blue Lives Matter. There’s terror attacks happening in the U.S. such as the San Bernardino in California and the Pulse night club in Orlando. And now the more recent attacks in Brussels, Nice, and now Germany. Not to mention, we’re facing an upcoming presidential election that has nearly everyone watching and talking. So much is happening!
Yet, with all of this taking place in our world today, what do you think we, as Christian women, should do? I believe that it’s not meant for us to turn a blind eye and keep going about our daily lives as though nothing were happening at all. Instead, I would venture to say that it’s time for us to get on our knees and pray, sis. I think it’s time for us to be salt and light in the midst of all the darkness.
The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:6-7, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” There is nothing like God’s supernatural peace in the midst of the storms of life, tests, trials, and in the tragedies suffered in the world around us.
I was just passing through one of the cities to get to my mom’s 65th Birthday Celebration in New Orleans this past weekend (my hometown). And on the way there, my family and I stopped at a restaurant to grab a quick bite to eat before getting back on the road. Well, shortly after getting our meal, a young lady walked in to begin her work shift there, but then began telling us that she was robbed at gunpoint at her other job in the wee hours of that morning! Whoa! Her story caught all of our attention.
But before leaving that restaurant, I grabbed her hand and I just ministered to her and encouraged her that God has a plan for her life. I told her that He gave her another chance and that she has a purpose. I told her that I would be praying for her (which I did), and to find a church home where she can grow in the Lord and do what He has called her to do. When I shared these words with her, she looked at me focused and said, “Thank you so much. I believe that.”
We have to pay attention and be alert and ready to share the love of Jesus with a hurting and dying world…no matter what’s happening around us or where life takes us. Jesus reminds us in John 16:33, “In this world, you will have trouble, but fear not, I have overcome the world.” He also told His disciples and He is telling us today, “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). I talk more about this in my book, IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ & Moving Forward in Your Purpose (Coming September 1, 2016). But listen…
There is no doubt about it. We are living in dark times. But as Christians, we are called to be light in the midst of what’s happening in our world. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” So don’t hide your light, sis. Shine bright today! Smile, give someone a hug, pay attention to what’s going on around you, and pray for someone who needs it (whether in person or beyond). Be bold, my sister. It’s time.
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
QUESTION: How is God using you in the world around you to share His light and love? Share your comment here. I’d love to hear from you.
Don’t forget my NEW book is scheduled to release September 1st!!!! It’s entitled, “IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ & Moving Forward in Your Purpose!” I’m pumped and I want you to GRAB it! PRE-BUY it today @ www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org/identified! And share, share, share (tell other women too!). Thanks sis!
*Thanks for reading! I hope and pray that you’ve been enlightened from this post. Feel absolutely free to leave a comment or for questions you can email me directly at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com, and I will respond promptly. Also, if this post and ministry has blessed your life, please consider making a donation of any amount today to help further the gospel here @ http://www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org/.
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dear courtnaye, just wanted to say that I appreciated reading your blog this morning. yes it’s a week later since your post. but I truly do not like to miss reading what the Lord has placed on your heart to share with all of us ladies. your message encourages me to focus on what’s important. when “life” happens moment by moment, it’s not natural for me to pause and assess the situation and wait for the Lord to direct my words/actions. but more and more I’m seeing how important it is to do this. thank you for writing/speaking truth into so many lives. appreciate your ministry. please pray for intentional and simple; the ministry that the Lord has given me to take care of. I want to be obedient and be all who He has called me to be; no matter who is beside me or not. as long as God is directing my footsteps, nothing else matters. God bless and thank you again. love, sista adeline 🙂