Tags
breaking news, Britain, Christian, evil regime, faith and hope, food, Hope, hope for today, humanitarian aid, humanitarians, Iraq, ISIS, Mt. Sinjar, Pentegon, persecution, prayer, refugees, rescue, Syria, United States, water, world reports
As I head to church this morning I am reminded that hope is not meant only for the future–hope is for today. Yesterday I lost sight of that. With all the horrific photos and end times sirens screaming, my gut was wrenching and I had to let it out. In the process I lost sight of hope. My heart went numb.
The bleakness and the horror overrode my intent–the intent to find hope even in what seemed to be the most hopeless place on earth.
I apologize.
I realize I perpetuated doom and gloom. I failed to see with the gift God gave me. I did not lift the veil and pierce through the darkness into the light. I allowed my faith to wane and the horror to cloud my thinking. I spit sad words from my keyboard.
Today I return to the promise of hope. I cling to the optimism no one can steal. My trust in God is renewed.
Today I am reminded that peace begins within. I breathe deep and remember that God sits on the throne and He is always in control even when wickedness abounds.
The battle between good and evil has always been over our souls. Evil lurks and roams the earth seeking to devour but do not let it steal your hope. God’s glory still wins in the end.
Until then we must hang onto whatever threads we can find. Cling to the vine. We must not let discouragement or fear cloud our mind. Dwell not on evil–perpetuate whatever is hopeful and good.
The future will take care of itself. Become the vessel of hope that is needed today.
Speak of hope in the midst of our trials. Speak of hope that casts out fear. Speak of hope that rises up from your belly. Speak of hope that tramples on snakes and casts mountains into the sea.
Speak of the unshakable, relevant and viable hope that emerges from even the tiniest mustard seed.
Revisit Mount Sinjar with me. I dare you to come along.
Focus your prayers back on those villages and valleys. This time see them with the eyes and heart of hope. In doing so, you will eventually see some signs–signs of hope however faint. Fast frame forward and ignore the haunting images of death and destruction and force your mind to find the hope. Its hard but work on it. Search and you will see it.
I am convinced that hope still lives in the silent prayers of the persecuted people and in those brave humanitarians who are reaching out to help.
Yesterday the United States began dropping food and water on the mountain and bombs on the militant armies below. Four hours ago news reports began circulating showing mountaintop refuges being rescued.
“To date, in coordination with the government of Iraq, US military aircraft have delivered 52,000 meals and 10,600 gallons of fresh drinking water, providing much-needed aid to Iraqis who urgently require emergency assistance,” the Pentagon said.
Britain and France have also begun airdropping food and water to thousands of civilians stranded on a mountain in northern Iraq after fleeing jihadist militants a week ago, officials said Sunday.
According to numerous reports, at least 20,000 civilians besieged by jihadists on a mountain in northern Iraq have safely escaped to Syria and have been escorted by Kurdish forces back into Iraq.
If this is true and the efforts continue–there is tangible hope that more rescues will follow.
Time is of essence and help is needed once the refuges are brought down from the mountain to safety.