Free to be Free

Scripture: For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. Luke 12:48

I am sure many of you have seen and read about the violence in Kenya. I have been greatly troubled by it and have been praying for the people there. I realize that there are many Christians ministering there and that they are being targeted. It is hard for me to even begin to relate to this struggle from the comfort of my office computer.

I visit a weekly photo blog on MSN. It is called This Week in Pictures. You can view photojournalists’ pictures and vote on the picture of the week. The topics are broad, but the pictures tell the stories in breathtaking ways. There were two on this weeks list that really stared my wheels turning on the sovereignty of God.

The first was a middle-aged man in a wheel chair. His head was bandaged and he had lost both his hands to a senseless violent machete. My heart could not hold the compassion I felt for this man who did not deserve this ill fate. The second photo was of a funeral procession. The deceased Kenyan was an Olympic runner from the 1988 Olympics games. He was killed in the same madness. He like the first man did not deserve the horrible fate that he had met. Both men had been touched by the same tragedy, but God had left one man alive. Why?

All at once in a stream of emotion, questioning the very fiber of humanity I cried out to God, “O Lord! Help me understand.” And my understanding came. I sit in a country where I have plenty to eat, a nice place to sleep, and can worship the god of my choice. My children can go to school and learn without fear for their safety and I can earn a living and make a life for my family and myself. I am blessed. I can voice my opinion and vote my conscience without fear for my life.

I can’t begin to understand the struggle in Kenya, nor the persecution and fears they face there. I can’t explain why this must happen to these people who deserve a better way of life. However I do know that because of the blessings that I have, God expects me to live life in such a way that it would bring glory to his name. He has given me a voice and the resources to grow in his grace. He is on his throne and no matter what happens in this world He is in control. His purposes will be fulfilled in the earth and I want to try and do all that I can to help Him.

There is a woman somewhere right now who has to worry about where her baby will lay his head tonight and I do not. God has surely freed me up for joyful obedience.

Leslie Stephens
Winchester, TN

Prayer: Almighty God I trust that you are on your throne and are bringing about your good and perfect purpose in this world. Be with those who are struggling and are oppressed. Free them so that they might be free to bring glory to your name in all the earth. Amen!

Prayer Tip: Take time to pray for those who are oppressed every day. It can make a difference.


January 21, 2008