On the 8th of May in South Africa, some leaders in the nation have declared it to be a day to reconnect with the forefathers who had passed away. As this is not in line with the word of God, what will be the right thing to do for us as Christians? Besides the various prayer guidelines available, Marelize shares about seeking God for His original plan for that day. By looking at what happened in history on that day and how God intervened, helps us to find God’s original plan and to pray towards the fulfilment of His plan.
This day is happening in a time frame in which South Africa is still in lock down. After a year in lockdown, ways of doing things have changed. Many people got used to doing everything from home. The result is that many of us have become couch potatoes, because it feels like just too much effort to dress up to leave the house.
Marelize uses Nehemiah as example, who had a very comfortable position, as cupbearer to the king in exile. While being in comfort, he heard about his people in distress and the state of Jerusalem. He was so touched that he started praying. The way in which he prayed in Nehemiah 1 is a good example of how to start praying for the nation at this time. His action of leaving his comfortable job as wine server to the king, to go to Jerusalem to motivate his fellow brothers, and building the wall, is such an example for us at this time.
Let us get up from our couch, to fight as the boxer who is putting his punches where it is effective to overcome the plans of the Enemy, so that God’s plans will prevail.
Prov.13:12 Neh.1 Ex.34 Jer.23:29 Heb.3:12 1 Cor.9:26-27