Friday, July 28, 2023

The words “in these days” captivated my attention, compelling me to explore further. What was going on “at that time,” as some translations put it? I scoured multiple translations. Some were even more emphatic: “It was at that time.” What was so drastic that it drew Jesus into an all-night prayer meeting with God? With unrelenting hostility, the Scribes and Pharisees were opposing Jesus. The company He kept, the conduct of His disciples, and His power and authority were all offensive to them. Finally, they became so incensed that they began to plot against him. It was “during those days” (NRSV) that Jesus went alone to a lonely place to pray. As we grapple with life’s personal rigors and as secular humanism aggressively challenges our faith, we will have exhausting seasons when we need to off-load and listen to the Lord for an extended period all by ourselves. The result? We will be empowered with virtue to meet every challenge and accomplish every God-ordained task.

I have been more conscious of the need for evangelism. Networking with other leaders, particularly the Latin America and the Caribbean regional group, has provided constant strength and encouragement.