The Unexpected
April 7, 2010
I’ve heard it said that most things in life turn out different than we expect. Sometimes better, sometimes worse, but mostly just different.
I agree. Here’s a report that’s better than we expected. It’s taken from an article about the move of God in Iran as reported by Joel Rosenberg (Washington, D.C., March 31, 2010).
President Ahmadinejad just marked the celebration of the Persian new year by urging Muslims to prepare for the coming of the Twelfth Imam and the annihilation of Israel. Western leaders are preparing to impose economic sanctions on Iran as early as next month in hopes of stopping the ayatollahs from building the Bomb, but it may be too late. A new CIA report indicates Iran already has the capacity to build nuclear weapons.
But here’s the amazing thing is that the media isn’t telling you: More Iranians will celebrate Easter this year — the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ — than at any other time in human history. That’s because more Iranians have renounced Islam and become followers of Jesus Christ in the last 31 years than the past 14 centuries combined.
Yes the world is looking scary. But to Christians who are watching for the Lord’s return like the five virgins who had oil in their lamps in Matthew 25, this may be the moments just before the Lord raptures His church. And if so, this would be a time of great harvest in unreached people groups!
Let’s pray…
1. Let’s pray for ourselves.
Dear Lord,
Fill our lives again to the fullest with singular love for You. We desire fresh passion for Your glory to be seen on earth. Forgive us for living a watered-down faith. Ignite the fire of our first love for You again. We repent of our self-centeredness. We surrender again.
2. Let’s pray for our city and our world.
Dear Lord,
Our land has gone far from You. Please forgive us. Awaken our city and country to a living faith that is not ashamed of You or Your gospel. Raise up believers who are willing to count the cost and pay the price to be intentionally known as whole-hearted followers of Jesus.
3. Let’s pray for the global advance of the gospel.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the reports of great revival in unreached areas like Iran. We are confident You love the people of the Muslim faith as much as You love us. Remind us that we know You so we can help others know You. Give us large, unexpected faith to dream how we can be a part through giving, going and praying. In Jesus’ name, amen.