Aware (Even When I Didn't Wanna Be)
- 19 hours ago
- 4 min read
My mind’s been firing random thoughts faster than I can filter. Within the plethora of these ideas, one thought has bullied itself over the rest—so much so that I can’t ignore it.
Prophetic things have been popping into my sphere of awareness on a daily basis, which shouldn’t surprise me--because I asked for this.
I recently prayed that God would show me who I should pray for, and immediately this has been brought to my attention.
Have you heard this before: 'There will be wars and rumours of wars …'. This is something I’ve heard since I was a small child. To be honest, hearing people speak about the ‘end-times’ only served to freak me out back then. Of course, at some point later, I learned where in the Bible that’s recorded (Matthew 24:6). And, here we are, over fifty years later, and the conversation remains the same.
There’s truly nothing new under the sun (also in the Bible—Ecclesiastes 1:9.) And, while we’re talking all-things-biblical-warning, take into consideration what it says about evil being called good, and good considered evil, found in Isaiah 5:20.
Does this cause your brain to fire in all directions, like mine is? If so, I apologize. I didn’t mean to cause you discomfort, but please bear with me.
Ryan Miller is an influencer I receive daily emailed devotions from. He’s proven himself a solid believer in the Word of God, and I find him encouraging—even when he talks about serious stuff.
Last week, he released his forty minute documentary titled ‘Land of the Martyrs’ (see link below). It’s a sombre, yet not-all-sad, exposition of how Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria. Of course I cried, but what stayed with me is that literally after being tried by fire, and some being shot and blinded, most of these people's joy is breathtaking!
One pastor is currently being hunted for his unwavering, uncompromising faith in Jesus Christ. I can’t put into words to fully explain the emotions I felt while watching this, but if you wish to be inspired, go to YouTube and take a look.
Admittedly, I’ve previously been comfortable having my head stuck in the sand. I thought it was easier to go about my activities, oblivious to the atrocities being done to others.
But even if I chose to stay inside that naive bubble, it’s no less true that people are being physically and mentally tortured for their faith, while I complain that the groceries I bought are too expensive. (They are, but you can see what I’m saying.)
In a Bible Study group I’m involved with, Priscilla Shirer has been speaking about a refining fire that God will rain down (YAY!) when we pray that our lives be a sacrifice of obedience to Him. He wants to do great things through His children! And ... He needs us focused and willing to do His work—no matter what day it is, and no matter what's coming next!
Although this may feel anxiety-inducing, when we are confident believers—knowing that the Holy Spirit lives within us and will use us in incredible ways—abundant excitement bubbles over and abolishes any sliver of fear we may have!
To be fully transparent: I do NOT like seeing anything that even hints at someone being tortured in any way, so I had to force myself to watch that documentary. I thought I didn’t want to know. But now, I’m glad I do! These peoples’ scars were evident, but a majority of the many near-martyrs (most of whom lost family and friends who were close to them) had spirits that shone so brightly I no longer saw the evidence of what radicals had tried to cut, shoot and burn out of them.
That kind of joy and love can only come from one source—our Almighty God! What a testimony to the saving power and love of Jesus Christ!
I’ll leave that sit with you, as it has with me. May God move us to be unashamed and courageous women and men of God!
To all of you who covered me in prayer during my wait for test results last month—THANK YOU. The biopsy result that took nearly four weeks to materialize, was negative. And yesterday, I heard of further testing I need because of something else. Life’s never boring, and this aging is loads of fun—mostly because it keeps us on our knees!
If you need prayer, please ask at any time. I’d love to pray for you.
God bless you as you look for, and see, the goodness of God in your life!
Pattie Janzen
On another note, and proving that my brain is firing with more than one pin, if you’re looking for a great movie, I highly recommend ‘I Can Only Imagine 2’, being shown in theatres right now. This is a second instalment—the first (with the same title - minus the 2) is currently streaming for free on Prime. These movies showcase how and why two thought-provoking, overcoming-through-pain songs were written and composed. Both performed by: Mercy Me.
If any of these links aren’t working, simply go to YouTube and search the titles. I think they’re worth it.
Documentary: Faith Under Fire (Land of the Martyrs)
Song: I Can Only Imagine - by Mercy Me
Song: Even If - by Mercy Me
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