We were going to write a second part to knowing and understanding the will of God as a follow up to last month’s newsletter. However, the prompting of the Spirit is to address our current world situation. We ended last month’s newsletter with the admonition to stay in the Word of God as His revealed will always up with His Word. This has become more critical in the times and days we are living in. With the pandemic situation, there is an excess of information in the news, on the internet, through social media, through colleagues at work, through friends and , from churches even. While mostly well meaning, this abundance of information has given rise to a different kind of pandemic – a pandemic of fear. Don’t get me wrong; I am not saying don’t be aware. We walk in faith and we also walk in wisdom. However, be careful what you hear. What you hear and what you believe must always be judged in the light of God’s Word.
John 10:10 states clearly that, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full”. We know where the pandemic (the virus and the fear) came from – the pit of hell - and we know who the author of it is – Satan. What does Satan want to do with this pandemic? Steal the Word from your heart, steal your hope, your faith, your joy so he can then kill and destroy. That is the perspective we have from God’s Word, on this world situation.
My question to you then is, what do you plan to do about this? What is your role? Not your pastor’s role, not your president or prime minister’s role, but your role? What does God expect of you? You may say, “Ayo, why me?” and I will respond, “why not you?” Afterall, God says you are the salt of the earth and you are light of this world (Matthew 5:13-16). What does it mean to be salt and what does it mean to be a light? Without going into a theological treatise, I will simply say that salt is a preservative and when light shows up, darkness goes.
This dual role of the believer is an integral part of the ministry of reconciliation God has committed to our hands. While we are in faith for our own safety and health (which was part and parcel of the gift of salvation; we just need to enforce the glorious victory of our Lord), let us not forget our commission to the world. This pandemic presents an opportunity to us as the body of Christ to make a difference. The world is watching us. Anyone can be a Christian when the going is good. How can we take advantage of this opportunity for the kingdom? Salt and Light of the earth, I have a few things for you to think about:
Speak only what God is speaking. God is a faith God and He does not speak circumstances, nor does He deny the facts but rather He speaks the truth. Like Abraham emulated God, let us do the same. Abraham called the things that be not as though they were (Romans 4:17). Declare there is an end to the pandemic, declare health and healing over people based on the authority of the Word of God, speak wisdom and direction for those in authority and whatever you do, stop speaking the problems. Your words carry the power of life or death (Proverbs 18:21). Speak life and stop the fear. Like faith, fear is communicated through words and actions. You don’t need to share those social media posts, and you most certainly do not need to contribute to the hysteria.
Don’t only pray, make room to also praise. The power of praise will always turn back the onslaught of the enemy. It confuses the enemy and brings his camp into disarray. Don’t forget the account of Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20) and of Paul and Silas (Acts 16:25-26) which were written for our example. This is the midnight hour and it is time to raise a hallelujah to the King. We are the ones who perhaps were surprised by this battle, but I assure you God was not taken by surprise and to every trial and temptation, He has made a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). Praise the Lord. It is easy to rejoice when the outcome has been settled.
Be strong and bold; ready to do whatever the Father will have you do. He will speak to you and He will use you but only if you are listening and are ready. How can you listen and be ready? Shut out all the many voices in the world by immersing yourself in the Word. God will speak to you through the Word and to your spirit because He lives in your spirit. Like Jesus, whatever He tells you to do, do it. He may wake you up to pray for certain people, specific places. He may lead you to send out a word of hope like we are doing but whatever He says to do, do it. Be God’s mouthpiece and be bold. Boldness is not false posturing but a quiet confidence in God.
Hold fast to the vision – God has made you specific promises for your future and this is an opportunity to meditate on the promises; to allow the Holy Spirit fill in the blanks of the vision. It is an opportune time to prepare. There may be things you can begin to do – a business plan, a ministry unveiled etc. Remember, God has set eternity in your hearts - Ecclesiastes 3:11.
We continue to pray for you and yours; stay under cover of the blood.
Yours in His service,
Ayodola & the W2NM Team
