Today's Post Comes from Beth Edwards!

Joseph Kabila, current leader of the Congo was recently interview by the NY Times and was asked if he had the right people to help him affect real change in a country torn by war, racial tension, and political strife. He answered

"Mobutu led this country for over 37 years. He created a political class and he created a mentality and we haven't done away with that. The old ways are bad - corruption, misrule, mismanagement and all that. Our biggest mistake is that we have not found enough time to train and form our own cadres. You don't need a thousand people to transform a country. No, you need 3,4, 10, 15 people with the necessary convictions, determined and resolute. Do I have those 15 people? Probably 5, 6, 7, not yet 15."

 

The part I've italicized struck deep. I recalled Tom sharing about the move of God in Uganda; how a relative handful of people with the necessary convictions, determined and resolute, are transforming that country. Here is a non-believing leader of a country facing tremendous, heart-wrenching obstacles declaring, and pursuing, a truth that we as Christians often let slip complacently through our fingers.

 

As it came out in prayer this morning, in the story of Lazarus Jesus says to Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lies and believes in Me, shall never die. Do you believe this?"

The question is, do we believe in the resurrection power of Jesus Christ? Do we believe that a handful of dedicated Christians seeking God's face, with a heart to see people's lives transformed by the power and love of God, can radically alter the political/social/cultural environment in which we live?

 

If it can happen in Uganda, why not in Elgin? If rebels, relatively few in number, bent on the destruction of life for selfish gains, can wreak indescribable havoc in countries such as Congo or Rwanda, what could happen if a few "radical lovers of Jesus" were bent on seeing the resurrection life of Jesus demolish the enemy's strongholds, and bring life out of death to those who are hurt, broken, and in desperate need of a revelation of God's mercy and grace?

 

In prayer this morning, it seemed that the Holy Spirit was highlighting the reality of the victory we have in Christ, in living in the presence of God. Is there a more powerful reality?!

Do we believe in the VICTORIOUS presence of God in our lives in every circumstance, in every struggle, in every challenge. Lord, help us to live daily in the light of this powerful truth. Your presence is victorious—always!