ANGER vs BROKENNESS

I posted the following statement on my Twitter this afternoon following the news of the explosions at the Boston Marathon (follow me on Twitter: jessrenee86)...

Anger may be your first choice, but compassion and 

brokenness for lost souls is what the Lord asks of us.

It's hard to feel compassion and brokenness for individuals who desire to cause pain and destruction, but the Lord does not want us to be angry. He calls us to pray for the lost, to minister to the brokenhearted, and to love the unlovable. It's not easy, trust me, but it's a lesson the Lord seems to be laying on my heart a lot recently.

A story that hits closer to home:

Schools in my county and the neighboring ones were filled with excess security today after a threat had been made to kill 20 children in 5 schools on this particular day. I honestly don't think anyone truly believed the threat would actually be carried through, but taking precautions was necessary to ease the tension of staff and students alike.

As I prepared for work this morning, I was feeling particularly angry, unsettled, and pained. I couldn't believe someone would even think of killing innocent children. I was in disbelief that a person would go so far as creating the said threat just to get attention, yet being too cowardly to sign a name to the paper therefore earning no recognition...yet. I was feeling sorry for the poor individual who would even consider this careless act an act of valor.

As I walked out of my apartment to my car, I was blown away by the sunrise. It was like God was speaking  directly to me, "I got this Jessica; confide in Me and I will protect you." I got into my car and started off to school. Still frustrated but feeling slightly comforted.

As I drove passed an elementary school, I felt compelled to pray. I spent time in prayer for the students in all area schools, but the main focus of my prayer turned from safety to brokenness, and my eyes welled up with tears. My anger and frustration were replaced by compassion and a desire for action. I wanted to find these men (or women) and share Jesus with them. I wanted to tell them that their desire to kill won't bring them eternal peace, but rather it will haunt them forever. I wanted to find them, sit with them, and listen to them as they poured out their hearts, their pain, and their insecurities. I wanted to be a comfort for them and a shoulder to lean on. I was no longer angry, I was full out broken. Ironically, by the end of my prayer, I asked the Lord that if these people were to attack our school that my life would be spared and that an opportunity for me to speak with the intruders would be granted.

As you imagine, the destruction didn't occur in our school, and I haven't heard of anything abnormal occurring in other area schools either. It was honestly a relief, but when I arrived home and heard about the bombings at the Boston Marathon my heart broke all over again.

Here is my prayer this evening...

"Why, Lord? I just don't understand how someone could want to cause so much evil. However, I thank you, Jesus, that your blood shed saves those who confess your name and believe. I thank you, Lord, for the peace that I've found, and I am grateful for the confidence that no matter when my life is cut to an end, I will spend eternity in heaven with you. I ask that you be with those who are hosting hatred deep within their hearts. Provide a moment for divine encounter and reveal yourself in a powerful way. Lord, reach your hand down and touch your people. Bring revival to our land, and heal those who are so desperate for destruction. Give boldness to your people, and allow your love to penetrate from those who profess your name. Allow your glory to be revealed, and permit your perfect plan to prevail whatever that may be. ~ Amen"

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 Operation World Prayer for the Nations Update

Currently, I am praying through a 2 week prayer journey through China. China is a nation growing in Christian population despite years of persecution and forced secret house churches. People are coming to the Lord in masses, and His hand is at work within this great nation.

Other countries of focus since my last prayer update are:

Cameroon (Africa) - Cameroon has one of Africa's highest literacy rates at 67.9%, and it is also one of the world's most corrupt nations. Churches are facing "spiritual poverty" or spiritual apathy, lack of concern for the unreached, and little unity.

Canada (North America) - Canada holds that status of having the world's lowest public debt. It is also the nation in which the most immigration occurs. Christianity is in a long, sustained decline with the rise of pop culture and secularism.

Cape Verde Islands (Africa) - Widespread poverty affects this nation, 80% of the food must be imported. Most residents are Catholic by name, but many are influenced by superstitions and African fetishism.

Cayman Islands (Caribbean) - These islands are extremely vulnerable to money laundering.

Central African Republic (Africa) - The CAR faces constant rebellions and military coups. There is presence of the LRA in some parts. HIV (6%), malnourishment, lack of clean water, and faulty hygiene are concerns. Churches have lack of depth and commitment with low moral standards. Some churches in the north are often looted and burned as a form of persecution and rebellion.

Chad (Africa) - 80% of the population lives below the poverty line and corruption is prevalent - known as the world's most corrupt nation. Chad is home to more unreached peoples than any other African country. 

Chile (South America) - Crime, abuse, drugs, and materialism are all on the rise in Chile (1 in 7 women have a child by age 14). There is a massive gap between rich and poor, but focus on holistic ministry within the nation is growing.