If there is one thing we’ve gained during this strange season it’s this, family. Forcing families to limit much of their normal activities has brought us closer than ever before. So much relationship was restored to my family during this time. In fact, it restored their ability to witness much more of my daily interaction with the Father. Previously, much of my quiet space was held either before they woke or after they were dropped off at school. But when upset came to our routine, they were thrust back into my daily routines, and I in there’s. It was a tragic, yet beautiful thing.
Tragic in that it was an unnecessary disruption of education and normal activities. Beautiful because the exact thing that the enemy has fought so hard to destroy was restored largely by his oppression in another area.
It’s funny how that works, isn’t it? The Bible was serious when it said…
God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
We recite this verse as a mantra, but truly I have witnessed it unfold in my life over and over again. It has become a constant. Something I can count on. It is the truth.
When the enemy came and stirred up sickness and fear, he whispered in the listening ears of those in charge that lockdown was a great idea. God already knew it was coming. He was already moving in it before the idea was placed.
Like a Lion waiting for the exact moment to release its most effective roar, our God the King of kings released His roar over family. His original design. Family. Him being a triune being, He has never been alone. His idea for family is something so obvious when we look at Who He really is.
Then churches closed. I never thought I would live to see that day. It’s still a source of great sorrow to me that this was (and in some places still is) allowed to occur, but nonetheless, God used it in mighty ways for all who were willing. We sat together in our living rooms and encountered God through the screens, but right next to our loved ones. Those we cherish the most. Nobody was having to miss service because they were serving. None was having to leave and deal with kids separately from the others. No, in this brief and beautiful moment, heaven collided with earth and poured into each of our homes and stoked the house fires.
Today, I dedicate my day and prayers to house fires. The moments with Jesus that we encounter within the four walls of our homes. The moments where there is no need for dressing up and pretentious behavior. Rather, it’s what the real church could look like. Real and pure. Intimate and familial.
Prayer Moment: God, stoke the fires of revival within our homes. Let us live our faith out loud for all who are closest to us to see. Let us not hide from each other or only find ourselves comfortable sharing God with strangers. Let us be released to truly live faith with those who are nearest us. Then we can change the world. It all starts at home, please let us never forget that. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is He, this King of glory? The Lord almighty- He is the King of glory. Psalm 24:8-10
365 Days in the Presence 