I find the Christian mission in Afghanistan so compelling since the Taliban took over. I don’t even know how to pray for them. Do I pray for wisdom? How does wisdom help in the face of such enormous evil? Do I pray Christians will somehow be saved from this horrific fate? My prayers seem to be relegated to please Jesus, please!
Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might. Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth. Psalm 54:1-2
David finds himself in a similar position when he writes Psalm 54. It feels more disjointed than his typical Psalms. He is fleeing Saul again, and this time another enemy, one David doesn't name. He asks God to save him by God’s name only. David understands the strength, the power, and the comfort that comes with the name of Jesus.
Please, Jesus, please!
Please, Jesus, please! I know that the mighty name of Jesus alone can stop the enemy in his tracks. Maybe if the name of Jesus is all I have, it’s enough.
Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. Psalm 54:4
I think of these men and women who have given their lives to share the gospel. Friends, this is each one of our purposes. We are all called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to love like Jesus.
Out of these ashes, beauty will rise.
As my heart aches for these excellent ambassadors of hope to the world, I envy them just a bit. They have chosen a life they know could end in persecution, yet they do it anyway. Many of them are so close to their crowns.
I read that one pastor in Afghanistan is praying for a revival. Can you imagine? All there is to fear. All there is to consider right now, and he sees the opportunity for a revival. Just wow!
He believes that your average Muslim will now see Muhammad's true character, a man they see as peaceful only. Watching the Taliban do this evil in the name of Muhammad has the potential to bring many Muslims to Christ.
Out of these ashes, beauty will rise.
I am just going to continue to pray my heart. This does not surprise God. He has seen worse. His sovereign will be done. I think my heart will pray for that revival as well.
Psalm 91 tells us that God himself sends the angels to watch over us. That reminds me of the angels taking care of Jesus before he died. How beautiful is it that God is doing that for our missionaries in the middle east?