“Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die…” Revelation 3:2a
What Remains
Less than 24 hours ago, I spoke with a woman who lost her home in the fire. I heard her story, fascinated by not only the way the Lord has taken care of her needs at this time, but also how the bonds of our church body have helped hold her together. Although her sons, who live hours from here, have invited her to come live near them, she wants to remain here. She said, “This church has been my home and my family for 30 years. I can’t just walk away. I am loved here.”
Just a few hours prior to this conversation, the words of today’s Scripture had rung in my ears during a time of prayer. The Spirit put them in my mind and heart with no outside prompting, so I began to pray for certain things that remain to be strengthened.
I saw this woman strengthening what remained of her life—her relationships. There was no accumulation of worldly goods, and the place she is staying for now does not have room for any “stuff.” Her church, her friends, and her relationship with her Savior and other women are strengthening her right now. This new strength is stronger than before; she knows this because she has tested it and found it secure. Her losses have strengthened her in ways that her gains could not.In her dependence on God, she finds Him more than enough. And while she is in this place of not knowing what is next, or what to do next, the rest of us will watch over her in prayer.
I pray for what remains of the homes, trees, bushes, and plants’ root systems after the fire, that they would be strengthened against future mudslides and further ruin.
In other concerns, I pray for what remains of my kids’ faith; seeds were firmly planted, and surely down within them there are the words of wisdom and truth that stubbornly hold on so that some day they can grab hold of them again, and follow the Lord.
What else is “ready to die?” For dying marriages, we pray that what remains of their first love would be strengthened. For dying bank accounts, we pray that the strengthening treasures of the kingdom would come to them. There are so many dying things around us where what remains need to be strengthened. Clearly, God wills that these things to LIVE.
What is our part? The Scripture says to watch, and to strengthen the things which remain. We watch—look around, take notice, keep your eyes on it—and then we strengthen. Yes, us. He gives us that to do. Sure, we pray for His power and help; all power belongs to Him and we have none of our own. He is Almighty—having all power. But then, He asks us to strengthen those things that remain. The shreds of love, the glimpses of hope, the whiff of fresh air, the wonders of creation, the promise of eternity—these are strengthening things. Who can we give this to today?
“Father, Giver of life, we ask You to show us the needs around us, and let us work alongside You to strengthen what remains. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Good word encouragement to start the day!
Trial by fire.. Reminds me of Mercy Me’s song, Even If..
We sure enough did a lot of praying and seeing the Lord’s power throughout that fire’s time!
Beautiful words of wisdom. We all need to work together to build those relationships as that is what is most important. Then everything else will work out in God’s ways and timing. Thank you.
“Her losses have strengthened her in ways that her gains could not.” Wow! That is a powerful piece of truth. Thank you that in the midst of this devastating loss, you have reminded us that God always has His eye on what remains.