Over 300 girls were kidnapped. Fifty-three escaped. Another eight were abducted. And the world waits, hearts break, and we hit our knees.
It’s almost unimaginable the depth of depravity that exists in our world today. Men willing to steal children, threatening to sell them like cattle to the highest bidder. Families torn apart by senseless brutality and murder. Daughters living in fear. Freedom only a distant dream.
Something needs to change. Who will rise up?
Several years ago, a dear friend of mine penned the lyrics to a beautiful song, a call to action for the church… “Who Will Rise Up?”
“For every brother who has need
And every sister on her knees
We’ll show the mercy we’ve received in our lives.
And all the world will finally see
The love that makes a family
If He’s alive in you and me
We will rise.”
Church, it’s time we rise and seek to defend the defenseless, to help the helpless, to stand in the gap for the kidnapped. When horrific tragedies such as this one occur, sadness overwhelms us; heartbreak grips us; fear paralyzes us; but our faith should elevate us. Have we prayed more than we have worried about it? Mothers and Fathers of these precious young women are in desperate need of people who will stand firm in their faith when they can’t seem to stand at all. Will you rise? Will you pray? Will you fight against injustice? Will you demand that we #bringourgirlsback ?
The worst response we could have to this is not to care enough to pray. Prayer is a mighty weapon, a powerful tool, a strong force that we have been given to overcome our enemy, and make no mistake – his hideous name is written all over this. But faith believes that the God we serve is greater than the powers of this dark world, stronger than the spiritual forces of evil that seem to prevail. Our God is greater. And our God beckons us to our knees over this. Will you pray? Will you join me in praying for the release, freedom, and healing of these 284 girls? Will you choose to be relentless in your prayers? And will you call others to action?
I’ve witnessed a handful of miracles in my own life this past week, things that have left me breathless and in awe. And I’m done doubting that God can and will do what He says He can do. Let’s link arms and hearts across this world in faith and believe God to set these girls free!
Pure truth and conviction!