We can be strong because you choose us.
We see the world around us going one direction. We even experience persecution and hatred from the world. But we are not deterred. We never start to see the ways of the world as normal. We never give in to the ways in which they push us to conform.
We have this strength because you chose us out of the world. We don't need the fickle love of the world because of the love we have from you.
When we suffer, it need only serve to emphasize our union with you. When we are persecuted we have the power not only to endure but to rejoice since this is on account of your name.
The world does not succeed at convincing or bully us to follow its twisted and depraved ways. We are yours, Jesus,the flock you tend. We do not merely endure, but we serve you with gladness and come before you with joyful song.
Help us to proclaim your words. There are people still trapped in the world that need to hear these words. There are people still oppressed by the persecution and hatred of the world. There are people who reluctantly accept what the world says is normal and then don't understand why they can't find happiness. These are people who will keep your word, if we only give it to them.
You give us your Spirit to guide us as we proclaim your word. We aren't attempting this on our own. We are not only chosen. We are also equipped by you for the mission.
You keep us from some places..
because they had been prevented by the Holy Spirit
..places where you do not intend for us to work..
but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them,
..and draw us to others..
During the night Paul had a vision.
A Macedonian stood before him and implored him with these words,
“Come over to Macedonia and help us.”
This is really your mission, not ours. It shouldn't surprise us how richly you provide for it. We are chosen by you for it and you give us all we need to carry it out. You give us the strength to face the opposition which we must face. But if we listen you guide us in such a way that we avoid needless suffering and opposition. If we listen you teach us just where to speak your word. You guide us to the people who will keep your word if they can just hear it. You give us the strength to proclaim it to them. You want the whole world to cry out to you with joy. Chose us, equip us, and guide us to do the part which you specifically intend for each of us.
The LORD is good:
his kindness endures forever,
and his faithfulness, to all generations.
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