Warriors Arise: May 23rd, 2020
There are times when we misunderstand what someone is telling us. Our mind was thinking one way and theirs was thinking another. Just that little twist of perspective can cause problems, ruin friendships, destroy relationships, and kill possibilities. In verse 15 of John chapter 20 Jesus speaks to Mary. He asked her two questions. I do not believe Jesus didn't already know the answers. Nor do I believe He is patronizing her. I believe the questions reveal His heart. Just because He already knows the answer, doesn't mean He doesn't want to hear it from us.
Most of us experience roaring emotions. Some handle it through tears and others through anger and some a little of both. Neither is wrong, when our ultimate end is finding Jesus and hearing what He has to say.
Most of us can barely manage our own emotions in a situation. This makes it difficult when we encounter someone else who is angry or weeping over a difficult situation. We are not sure how to respond. I used to try to make people laugh. I didn't realize how uncomfortable it was for me to sit, listen to their broken heart and feel their pain.
One time when I was reading Romans 12:15, I realized I had difficulty applying this to my own life.
"Rejoice with those who are rejoice, and weep with those who are weep."
I was pretty good but could have been better at rejoicing with those who were rejoicing. However, when it came to weeping with those who weep; I didn't want to be "one-of-those-kind" of women who cried all the time. You know, the ones labeled, "an emotional woman." It grates on my nerves when I hear someone say, "She is just an emotional woman." Well, men are emotional too. They express their emotions generally through outburst of anger rather than outburst of weeping. So, it is ok for a man to be considered normal (and not emotional) if they operate in anger when their emotions are pushed, yet for a woman to express her emotions through tears labels her? I'm not thinking that is a fair assessment.
I remember sitting on my couch and someone was sharing their heart over a matter and tears were flowing. I listened for a bit but then I tried to say something funny and it worked. They stopped crying and chuckled. But I was immediately convicted because I hadn't allowed them to finish their cry, I had not cried with them. It was getting too heavy and I wanted to make the atmosphere lighter. That was not the time to make them laugh. I apologized and then ask them further questions about their situation. I didn't cry with them but I let them cry and talk it through, until they were done crying. I had a lot to learn about weeping with those who weep.
Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" John 20:15
I believe Jesus already knew why she was weeping. In the Bible, we learn there were multiple times where Jesus knew what the disciples were talking about, without being in the conversation. He knew what was in the heart of the Pharisees who came to test Him. In this particular part of history, I believe Mary's pursuit of Jesus brought Him back. The first angel had said Jesus would meet His disciples and Peter in Galilee. But the disciples hadn't gone yet. Jesus needed Mary to be His messenger again, but before He sends her on a mission, He meets her right where her heart is hurting. No matter what He needed her to do, He restrained Himself and sought to meet her in the midst of her brokenness. The ultimate demonstration of love, someone who cares more about what you are going through than what they need you to do for them.
Father, Your love is amazing. We each have our personal difficulties we are facing right now and You want to hear about them. You are not afraid of our emotions, whether we cry till we can't cry anymore or our anger causes us to yell at You. You can handle our emotions. Life continues, and in the midst of this pandemic there are people who continue to be diagnosed with cancer, heart conditions, and diabetes. I ask for Your hand to be upon them, bringing each one comfort, courage and healing in Jesus' name. Life continues in this pandemic; educators are mapping out what to do for the start of the next school year. They are seeking how to keep the children on a path of learning and not falling behind. It is causing stress for the educators, parents and the children. I ask for each one to seek You so they will hear Your plan. Many parents are at their limit and need more. They need what only You can give them. Your Word says patience is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, as well as peace, kindness and gentleness, even long-suffering. Many feel they have suffered long through this pandemic. I pray for people to ask for the fruit of the Holy Spirit and be revived to have what is needed for each day. I pray for joy to come and hearts to be filled with hope. I pray You would minister to the children who are in need of care, love, protection and provision during this time. I ask for You to meet each one in their emotions, in their frustration, in their anger, in their pain. I ask for You to protect them from others who do not know how to control their anger. I ask for You to hide them away until the rage is over. I ask for you to provide food and shelter for Your children. I ask for each child to have no want for food. I pray You would make a way for each one to have their tummy full each day. Children are so vulnerable during times when parents and caretakers don't have answers. I pray You would meet each child in the need they have and demonstrate Your ability to protect them from physical, sexual, and verbal abuse. I ask for You to hide them in Your arms and put a shield over them day and night. I pray for parents and caregivers to come to Jesus and walk in the change He offers them. I ask for Jesus to hear the cry of the children and a meet them, bring comfort and courage in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy
My hope is for Believers in Jesus Christ to join together each day to pray, to push back the enemy as we release God’s power here on earth against the coronavirus. The prayers will be listed each day as Warriors Arise. I will put a date with it so we can keep them straight. If you have any questions please feel free to make a comment or private message me. If you would like this to come to your email directly please go to verideehand.com and subscribe.
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