A Part of the Answer

 

       There have been several times in my life when a certain question was presented to me.  The questions is, "Are you part of the answer or are you part of the problem?"  After taking a glance at the news and checking the reports here and there, I see that nothing has changed dramatically since yesterday.  It did, however, get worse and not better.  People often ask themselves, "What is this world coming to?"  Humanity has proven that it cannot get along.  That is, it can't seem to work with and cooperate with other people of their own kind.  Countries are war with countries and people are taking each other's lives not only in our own part of the world, but around the world.  There is not Utopia of peace as it just seems to be getting worse.  You don't need me to remind you of that if you have read the morning paper in your part of the world.  What we do need to be reminded of is what is our part in all of this.  Many and indeed hopefully all of us would rather be a part of the solution instead of being a part of the problem.   Jeremiah 33:3 says, " Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." 

         We started a new series in church this past Sunday evening and our pastor reminded us of the great spiritual events that took place in our country when devout people came together to pray.  He also reminded us that there has not been a similar event for well over the past 150 years.  God has not changed but we have!  Spiritual awakenings have taken place in our land that has affected our area and even the other parts of the world.  When people get "saved" they want to see other saved as well.  When God works in our lives, then we want to see God working in the lives of others.  We don't want to hide the works of God on a shelf or lock them up in a safe, but we want to declare them to the whole world.  We want to shout, "Do you see what God is doing?"  Unfortunately, we have become more of the problem and not any part of the solution.  How do we find the answer?  The Bible has long said that we need to pray.  People are seen praying in the Bible.  People who are in "desperate" need come to God for answers and help in the times of trouble.  Maybe we don't have enough trouble in our own personal life to warrant our crying out to God in prayer.  That would be very hard to imagine.  Just look around you.  We are quick to shake our head but slow to bend the knee and the heart in prayer.  How many more storms have to come into your life before you are desperate enough to cry out to the Only One Who can help?  Praise God today that He answers prayer.