JOYFUL ASSURANCE IN PRAYER
“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13).
We are living in a time of great uncertainty; a time which makes us wonder: How and when will this virus end? When will the protesting and rioting be resolved? Can our economy be restored? Will our finances recover? Will we ever have civil discourse again as we seem to be such a divided country? The list goes on and on. This uncertainty creates stress that leads to strained and broken relationships as well as an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness as things seem to be spiraling out of control. Unfortunately, these things are the result of the fallen world that we live in as a result of sin.
Fortunately, there is one thing that we can be certain of and take comfort in during these uncertain times and that is that none of what is happening is a surprise to God! He is in control and will use all to advance His purposes.
God has blessed us with His Word, which is true and sure. Jesus tells us in John 16:33, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” What are "these things” Jesus told them? Check out the verses leading up to John 16:33. In verses 20-24 Jesus shares 3 important truths that are sure:
1) Verse 20: “You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.”
2) Verse 22: “No one will take away your joy.”
3) Verse 24: “Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”
I love the song “Blessed Assurance.” Perhaps you do too:
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine
O what a foretaste of glory divine
Heir of salvation, purchase of God
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood
Perfect submission, all is at rest
I in my Savior am happy and blessed
Watching and waiting, looking above
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long
We can praise Him and take courage in spite of our earthly struggles because we are not alone; we have the assurance of our salvation, the certainty of God’s promise that Jesus is ours! He has given us eternal life through His Son! This gives us assurance, certainty, and joy for our future.
The gift of salvation through Jesus is a joy and a gift we want others to share in too. A gift that Luis, Andrew, and our Palau team share worldwide, even now digitally and virtually. A gift that we can help them give as we believe John 16:24:“Ask and you will receive.” My prayer, and make it your prayer too, is to ask God for others to receive Him and receive joy in these uncertain times. There are many things we are not sure of, but of this I’m sure: I know that my Redeemer lives! We can live with and for Him too, as He hears and answers our prayers, in His perfect timing and will—you can be sure of it!
Praying with Certainty,
Gail Stockamp
“The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations” (Psalm 33:10-11).
PRAYER REPORTS
Please enjoy opening the regional updates below and keeping them in your prayers:
Africa | Praise for Africa Unite! | Report
Asia | Virtual events in Pakistan; continued relations in China | Report
North America | Updates on Festivals, NGA and CGM | Report
Europe | Wisdom and logistics for Manchester conference Spring 2021 | Report
Latin America | Training Webinars in Guatemala, Chile and beyond | Report
The Caribbean | Guidance for potential events in Montego Bay, Jamaica | Report