Last week larger churches were scrambling to utilize their existing capabilities for streaming worship services to provide church in a new way without the physical gathering of their congregations. At that time (it seems so long ago now!) the recommendation was that no groups should gather beyond 250 people. Yesterday that number was reduced to 50, and then today, 10….which means virtually every church in the country will no longer be meeting in their buildings or normal places of worship for any reason and for at least several weeks – unprecedented! And before I share some of the unexpected benefits I already see that are coming from such a major shift in church life, I want to first acknowledge our spiritual leaders as people who are also working tirelessly on behalf of their people…God’s people.
So to these, I say a big, “We see you…we love you…we appreciate you…and we’re praying for you!” I am excited by the actions I’ve already seen being taken in my own community, which I’m sure is mirrored around the country. Churches are sharing resources, personnel, facilities – truly taking care of one another with the common goal of maintaining connection with their church communities for the strengthening of our faith.
So I’d like to offer a prayer for our spiritual leaders who are stretched thin and yet are standing tall beside us with commitment and courage….will you join me?
“Mighty God, we pray for all the pastors and spiritual leaders in our lives and greater community today. Theirs is a uniquely difficult job as the hurting, freightened, grieving, frustrated and lost are looking to them to make sense of the senseless and to help make difficult, yet wise decisions in so many different areas. We thank you for their service, their sacrifice and their leadership. Bless them, God! Protect and strengthen them to lead us into the great things that are ahead for your church and the world. We commit to stand alongside them in the work you have put before us today and in the days to come. Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of being your church, for such a time as this!”
Can I get an “amen?” =)
When the going gets tough
And my strength’s not enough
I see You showing up like never before….
This song is dedicated to all those who are on the frontlines – you are upheld by our mighty God who will “never stop fighting for you…”
With much love and gratitude,
Shellie ♥
Fighting For Me
Riley Clemmons
I need the kinda love that
Can outlast the night
I need the kinda love that
Is willing to fight
When the going gets tough
And my strength’s not enough
I see You showing up like never before
This battle for my heart
You took on from the start
You are the peace when my mind’s at war
And o-ohh
You will never stop fighting for me
When I can’t fight for myself
Every word is a promise You keep
Cause You love me like nobody else
You stand up for me
In the darkest night
When my faith is weak
You’re still by my side
You will never stop fighting for me
You will never stop fighting for me
In the perfect timing
You make all things right
You paint a silver lining
In this heart of mine
When the going gets tough
And my strength’s not enough
I see You showing up like never before
This battle for my heart
You took on from the start
You are the peace when my mind’s at war
And o-ohh
You will never stop fighting for me
When I can’t fight for myself
Every word is a promise You keep
Cause You love me like nobody else
You stand up for me
In the darkest night
When my faith is weak
You’re still by my side
You will never stop fighting for me
You will never stop fighting for me
Your love
Is winning me over
Your heart
Is pulling me closer
Your love
Is winning me over
Your heart
Is pulling me closer
You will never stop…
Fighting for me, fighting for me
Every word is a promise You keep, oh, o-ohh
You will never stop fighting for me
When I can’t fight for myself (when I can’t)
Every word is a promise You keep (oh, oh)
Cause You love me like nobody else (nobody)
You stand up for me (You stand up for me)
In the darkest night (In the darkest night)
When my faith is weak (yeah, yeah)
You’re still by my side (my side)
You will never stop fighting for me (You will never stop)
You will never stop fighting for me
Amen