Pray With Them!

Always rejoice, Unceasingly pray, In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16, 17 

During these days of global pandemic and lockdown for 21 days in India, the entire country is locked literally into solidarity confinement. Perhaps, this is the first time in the history of India such a thing as this occurred.  For Christians, perhaps, these are the days for prayer and fellowship among family members. Though outwardly things seem tough, for the children of the Lord everything is under the Lord's sovereignty. 

As for me, the Lord has been gracing me richly that I have not been troubled or bothered at all. Life goes on as usual. The Lord is so good to me that I don't even feel a pinch despite the global fear and anxiety spreading all over. Yes, I do care for the needy and those who are hit hurt by this pandemic, yet I have nothing to offer except to pray for them. Prayer has increased so much these days. This is one thing I feel good about the situation. In fact, this has been my prayer that the pandemic should not be wasted but it should turn people's heart to be softened and turned to the true and living God, the Lord Jesus Christ! For God did not desire people to perish in sin nor in a pandemic. 

1 Timothy 2:3,4 This is good and acceptable in the sight of our Savior God, Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the full knowledge of the truth. 

I have been praying for people for years, whomever the Lord has burdened me to pray for. Now the Lord is leading me to a higher realm of prayer. This is to pray with them. To pray for them does not require the people prayed to know about it, nor do I need their consent, I simply pray for them. Now the Lord is leading me to pray with them. Though I initiated some of them, others are initiated by them. I feel so good about this. Not only to pray for people but to also pray with them. This is much better.

Since this pandemic scare and lockdown, my phone and my time are heavily occupied. One after the other, prayer, online meetings and fellowship over the phone happens regularly. The new ones that were lost were suddenly brought back to life. The hardened ones suddenly become soft. The not-so-seeking ones become so seeking. I feel the church life is much more strengthened, of course,  virtually online. Sometimes, I marvel at the wisdom God exercised in allowing things to happen. He allows it, and He knows best, why.

Now I am engaged daily on praying with saints and fellowshipping with saints online. Amidst this pandemic, we still can experience the Lord's words with one another. 

Always rejoice, unceasingly pray, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16, 17