Friday, August 8, 2014

Praying for the Ebola Outbreak

     Most likely you've heard about the Ebola outbreak in Africa.  The number of deaths are truly devastating . . . over 900 people have died since March 25th.  Sometimes, even hearing such numbers, my first response is to simply contemplate it.  But shouldn't our first response always be prayer?  Remember to pray for all those affected by this deadly disease.  I'm praising the Lord for all those who have successfully made it back to the U.S.  Pray for those receiving treatment, those who are trying to or have successfully evacuated, and those who continue to spread the love of Jesus by caring for those who are sick.

     Now more than ever is a time for us to pray that God's kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.  In such a devastating time where the solution seems impossible to reach, does it not set the stage for the glory of the God of the impossible to be displayed?  He is Healer (Exodus 15:26).  Also keep those in the U.S. in your prayers.  Reading the following article from Desiring God Foundation I have been reminded that God is working in the hearts of people right here in the U.S.

Ebola
Summer 2014
Donald Trump has sent in recent days a series of panicky tweets. July 31: “Ebola patient will be brought to the U.S. in a few days… KEEP THEM OUT OF HERE!” Aug. 1: “Stop the EBOLA patients from entering the U.S.” Later on Aug. 1: “The U.S. cannot allow EBOLA infected people back. People that go to far away places to help out are great—but must suffer the consequences!”
In the tradition of early British and American journalists who composed news poems that were printed rapidly and sold on streets for a penny, John Piper composed a news poem inspired positively by the Samaritan’s Purse workers and negatively by Donald Trump. –Marvin Olasky, World Magazine

Today a thousand dead. And more  
   To die. A common ache, like flu,  
Then nausea, a fever-soar,  
   A hopeless clinic interview:  
   “There’s nothing we can do.”

The bleeding has no bias. These:  
   A child, a chief, a friend, a nurse,  
Liberian, and Leonese,  
  From Guinea, Texas, taste the curse —  
  And kindness, from the Purse.

Samaritans, six thousand miles  
   From home and care, subdue their fears,  
And wonder if a sneeze defiles,  
   Or if a healthy fluid clears  
   The curse. Perhaps their tears.

But now two treasured ones, struck down,  
   Contagious still with death — and love —  
Fly back to us, our joy, our crown,  
   A touch of grace, a gentle dove,  
   Yet through a plastic glove.

While in our land we see today  
   Another virus spreading, dumped,  
More deadly, in the soul. They say,  
   “Why bring them home?” Though you be stumped,  
   This grace will not be trumped.
By John Piper. ©2014 Desiring God Foundation. Website: desiringGod.org

"The Church has not yet touched the fringe of the possibilities of intercessory prayer. Her largest victories will be witnessed when individual Christians everywhere come to recognize their priesthood unto God and day by day give themselves unto prayer." -John R. Mott

"God desires to glorify His name by answering prayer." -E.M. Bounds