By: Kacie Starr Long
I scrolled social media as the evening news droned in the background.
However, the sudden sternness of the news reporter caught my attention.
"We have a video of an execution-style murder taking place in broad daylight in downtown St. Louis...."
My heart froze as I watched the news.
Thankfully, the news station did not release the entire video, for it would have been too graphic.
Instead, they released video stills of the murderer, loading his gun, aiming it at his victim seated within arm's reach -- and ultimately killing him.
Per, the news reports, the shooter and the victim had an argument earlier at a local gas station, and the murderer came to exact his revenge upon the victim, who was homeless. Thankfully, the news also reported later that the murderer had been apprehended.
I know my hometown city, St. Louis has a violent crime problem. In response, there are several prayer movements here and here and here that pray specifically for St. Louis.
There have been many prophetic words released about St. Louis serving as a future birthplace of revival, and I see God moving and stirring, yet seeing the horrifying images of a murder (execution-style, nonetheless) taking place in broad daylight in a busy location; shook my faith.
Tired and troubled by negative news about St. Louis, I wondered if it was time to look into relocating elsewhere.
Why God have you allowed such a horrific crime to occur?
Do you see this?
How could this have happened?
This is so horrifying! It is so sad!
Have you ever encountered news or a situation in your life where you wondered, Where is God?
Like, for real, have you ever just tossed your hands in the air in a mix of frustration, amazement, and bafflement at what is taking place?
The truth is that I know God has called me to St. Louis, and I really do enjoy my city, despite there being a very intense battle of spiritual darkness and wickedness.
I know God has called me and many others to remain in St. Louis and do spiritual warfare through prayer, ministry, and intercession. As a warrior, I can't and won't fold and run away when the temperature is increased.
Maybe you aren't challenged by a news report to stay and stick out a tough situation in your hometown, but maybe there is another circumstance in your life, where you are tempted to flee and hide in a place where it seems safer and more comfortable.
Maybe you are tempted to give up a relationship.
Or maybe you are tempted to give up pursuing your degree, or starting a business, or family.
Perhaps, the enemy has tempted you that it would be easier to just 'throw in the towel' or run and hide away.
Our scripture for this week was shared by a local Pastor, named Kurt Wilson, who leads a prayer movement in St. Louis.
God used this scripture to speak to my heart to remind me, that when things seem dark, and dim, that this is an opportunity to look to Jesus for deliverance.
This scripture is an invitation to break the negative thought patterns and to allow room for God's glory, majesty, and strength of His holy power to enter that tough situation.
Friends, let's commit Psalm 24:7-10 to memory this week.
"Lift up your heads, O you gates!
And be lifted up you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O you gates!
Lift up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
He is the King of glory. Selah" Psalms 24:7-10
The Psalm reminds us that the Lord is strong and mighty.
He is mighty in battle!
Yes, there may be a tough spiritual fight against good and evil taking place in St. Louis, however as a child of God, instead of getting discouraged and shaking my proverbial fists at God, like "Where are you?!" I need to look to Him and stir my faith, by remembering who God is.
Whether you are experiencing violence, darkness, or grief in your city, marriage, body, or any circumstance --- may you remember today that the LORD IS STRONG AND MIGHTY!
He is in charge. He loves you and He will not forsake you.
Satan would love for us to focus solely on the bad news or difficult circumstances happening in life, but this scripture not only speaks of God being the King of Glory, and the Lord of hosts. It not only tells us that the Lord is strong and mighty in battle, but this scripture, repeats itself for emphasis.
Lift up your heads, O you gates!
And be lifted up you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O you gates!
Lift up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
He is the King of glory.
So today, whatever the situation -- no matter how dark, dire, or devastating it seems...may you remember to look to God for encouragement.
When you look to God, He enters.
The Lord is strong.
The Lord is mighty in battle.
Whatever, you are facing, it is not too difficult for God.
May you remember, as I have been reminded by this scripture --- to open up your heart, and allow the King of Glory to enter in.
Things may look bleak. They may even seem hopeless, but when God enters in, He can turn hopeless situations into hopeful; ones and impossible situations into possible ones.
Hallelujah!
"Lift up your heads, O you gates!
And be lifted up you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O you gates!
Lift up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
He is the King of glory. Selah" Psalms 24:7-10
PS: This year I really want to fall in love with God's word. Therefore, I am committing to memorize scripture each week. I invite you to join me on this journey, where I will email you the scripture for the week along with a short devotional. To receive these emails, please subscribe to my blog and receive an email from me each week. Let's go deeper into God's Word this year!
Hi, my name is Kacie Starr Long. I am an author, and speaker and I love to use my voice to point people to Jesus. When I'm not writing, I'm either working out at Orange Theory Fitness or sewing. God delivered me from food addiction and I have a sewing ministry, called the Sew Hope Community Sewing Room. I am the proud wife of Alfred T. Long, Sr and together we lead a non-profit that serves prisoners and their families. Connect with me at www.InspiredOverflow.com and via my YouTube page for Christian teachings and encouragement.
Comments