I’ve always been a real fan of fall. I love the colors and the transition from hot temperatures to cooler, more bearable weather. However, the older I get, the more I love springtime. Having grown up in the deep South, the return of spring was hailed by frolicking wildlife seemingly celebrating the end of the hunker-down season. I remember watching squirrels at play, almost overnight shedding their poofy winter coats for something a little more tailored. The red robins do a similar change of wardrobe that I’ve always found fascinating.

Having returned to the real South from Texas (which I dearly love) nearly two years ago, I’ve again fallen in love with the sights and sounds of spring. Just in the past few weeks, the hills of Arkansas have come alive with flowering trees and shrubs, beautifully brilliant daffodils and tulips (my wife’s favorite), and mysteriously majestic dogwood trees, all of which announce the end of winter. I absolutely love my backyard because of the dogwood that for a period of just a couple weeks transforms the landscape with its bright white blossoms.

Not everything is so cheery in life. If you’re anything like me, you’ve largely given up on finding any good news on TV. In fact, too much time with that can make me quite depressed. I’ve found though that while man is destined to disappoint, God is faithful to do just what He says He will do. Just as his eye is on the sparrow, we can be assured that He is watching over His children. My recent visit to Israel was filled with so many amazing sights. I think my personal favorites were the lilies of the field (seen at left). Jesus himself said that “even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” (Matt. 6:29, ESV) As you can see, judging from this photo, who could argue that?

In a world filled with so much hurt, pain, sickness, calamity, brokenness, grief, and loss, it helps me to look around and again “taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8, ESV). When you feel all alone and begin to  think all hope is lost, lift up your head and cast your eyes on the evidence of our Creator — and know that He cares for you. If you’re reading this and don’t know what it’s like to have peace in the midst of the storm, I encourage you to contact me, and let me help you discover new life today. Whatever you may be going through, God can give you just what you need to persevere.

IT’S YOUR TURN!
What is your favorite thing about spring? How do you stay focused on good in a world full of evil?

As a child I was afraid of the usual things: the dark . . . the shadows in the night . . . the monsters under the bed. It seems kind of silly now, but those were really things that could make my hair stand on end. As an adult, I’ve found that fear never really goes away; rather, we tend to transfer it to other situations. I’m still afraid of heights to some extent. And I hate roller coasters. I don’t particularly like to fly either, although the latter two examples are probably more rooted in the loss of control experienced.

However, some of you know that in recent years I have learned what it is to suffer the effects of anxiety in my own life. For many years I counseled individuals with regard to anxiety and phobias, but it was not until I experienced it for myself that I could truly empathize. The heart palpitations. The profuse sweating. The overwhelming sense of impending doom. Not fun at all!

Truly there are so many things in today’s world that give way to some legitimate anxiety. Our 24-hour news stream sounds a lot like Matthew 24, does it not? Wars and rumors of wars. Earthquakes. Famines. And on and on and on.

During the recent AACC conference, Dr. Ken Nichols of ALIVE Ministries presented a talk on the subject of fear. He pointed out that the message we receive from the media is clear: “Be afraid. Be very afraid!” And even if you think the sky isn’t falling, realize that it will. Just keep watching, it will!

In my own life I find that my anxiety level is directly related to the amount of news and information I allow to come into my mind. The reality is that all of us would do well to limit our intake of negativity — and let’s face it: that means shutting off a good chunk of the news. The late ABC newsman Peter Jennings was once asked why the news coverage seemed so overwhelmingly tipped in favor of bad news. In his suave Canadian accent, he quickly offered what I found to be a most candid and thought-provoking reply: “We must report on the planes that crash — not the ones that land safely.”

Nichols in his talk on Friday pointed out several facts about fear that I believe bear repeating in this space:

• Fear is absolutely unavoidable.
• Fear is a normal part of our everyday life.
• Fear is not sin.
• Fear is always temporary.
• Fear can be a healthy source of motivation.
• Fear is used by God to grow us in our faith.
• Fear is used by Satan to defeat us.

Nichols says that the major challenge for believers is to learn “how to transform fear into faith.” He says that when we really dig into Scripture we can face our storms of life with an eternal perspective. Nichols writes, “We can experience calm not confusion; poise not panic; relaxed not restless; composed not controlled; peace not pain; faith not fear.”

Nichols says there is a direct relationship between fear and faith:

That is why there are hundreds of reminders of the need to be strong, take courage, stand fast, and don’t be afraid. I believe that God ordains fearful circumstances in life as an excellent opportunity to cultivate a deeper quality of faith. Our human experience is not fear or faith . . . it is fear and faith.”

When you get right down to it, there are three primary areas from which most of our fears radiate:

1. The Unknown
2. The Unexpected
3. The Unbearable

I don’t know about you, but I have some things even this week that could really drive me toward anxiety and fear. To be honest, since that’s the way I naturally seem to gravitate, I have to work extra hard to make sure I’m grounding myself in the promises of God’s Word. I’m incredibly blessed to have a team of prayer warriors who lift me up daily. These are men and women I trust with details that I simply can’t make available to just everyone. In times of weakness, I find strength in the care, concern, and prayers of others.

Perhaps you’re going through something right now that has you anxious and afraid. If so, let God help you make the transition from fear to faith. If you’ve never come to a place in your life where you reached out to Him, then you can do that right now — no matter where you are or what you’re facing. Discover new life today. And find the peace that only He can give to see you through the inevitable storms of life.

IT’S YOUR TURN!
In which areas of life do you experience the most fear or anxiety? How do you cope with that?

Men do it. Women do it. Children do it.

Even in the presence of good company, worry can leave you feeling restless and alone.

It has been said many times that most of the things we worry about never happen. And that may be true. But those of us who struggle with worry somehow feel a sick sense of control over those things that often top our ‘worry’ lists. Things like health, finances, relationships, death, war, intergallactic collisions. See? It’s just the little things that keep us up nights.

In His teaching on worry, Jesus said this:

This is why I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the sky: they don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they? – Matthew 6:25-26 (HCSB)

Paul, in writing to the church at Philippi, said:

Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7 (HCSB)

That wonderfully devoted missionary, Corrie Ten Boom, not only influenced the lives of those with whom she shared Christ personally, but even in her death, her words come alongside believers today, reminding us of the importance of simplicity in the Christian life. Her common-sense approach to worry puts it in an everyday framework: “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.”

Whatever it is that concerns you most today, lay it down at the feet of Jesus. Place it in the hands of the One who already knows the anxious state of your heart and feels compassion for the burdens you bear. Spend some time thanking God today for His loving care. And whatever you do, don’t let the worries of your tomorrow ruin the quality of your today.

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What things cause you the most worry/anxiety? How do you handle those concerns?

After a routine doctor’s appointment on Monday revealed an abnormality in my chest, the doctor scheduled an ultrasound to rule out breast cancer. Of course, you can imagine my surprise when the nurse told me that the office radiology lab would be unable to handle that task. Instead she referred me to the Baptist Breast Center.

Now I don’t know about you, but in my opinion, the words ‘Baptist’ and ‘Breast’ should never go together . . . it just begs me to go there – ‘Methodist Breast,’ ‘Catholic Breast,’ etc.

Never mind the fact that when we moved to the Little Rock area, my family and I joked that the Baptist Breast Center was actually a Baptists-run chicken strip drive-through restaurant. I know, sad, isn’t it? But I digress.

Back to my story.

Well, I met one of our Sunday School teachers for lunch today and then headed down to that place for my little test to be done. Upon arriving at the clinic, three different female employees looked at me like I was lost and needed directions. When I assured them that I was at the right place (no matter how wrong it might have felt), I checked in and filled out all the necessary paperwork.

As my eyes glanced bashfully at the various women with whom I shared a waiting room, a scrub-clad assistant came through the door and seemed to scream, “GARRICK CONNER?” I got up from my chair, walked briskly to the door, and asked her, “Was it really that hard to tell?” The lady smiled and said that she knew it must feel a bit strange but assured me that other men have been there before too (She didn’t say if I was the first this year or not, but it was clear that she was trying to diffuse any embarrassment I might have been experiencing.).

She did ask me how long the place in question had been present. “A couple years,” I told her. “Other doctors have said it’s probably nothing.”

“Ooooh,” she said in a very concerned tone. “It’s good that you’re here.”

I was taken into a small room that I thought was a dressing room. The nurse told me that I would need to take off my shirt for the test. I could have sworn that I heard an ‘s’ on that word as she finished her sentence.

“Tests, plural?” I asked.

“Yes, sir. The doctor ordered a mammogram AND an ultrasound,” she replied flatly.

“He didn’t tell me that,” I insisted.

Then she asked that question that I suppose all breast nurses are supposed to ask, “How long have you had this issue?”

Hadn’t I already heard this question before? I said, “A couple years.”

“Ooooh,” she said along with a slight sigh. “It will be fine,” she assured me. “Someone will be back to get you in a few minutes.”

I was confused. “Well, what am I supposed to do in here?” I inquired.

“Nothing. Just have a seat,” she said. Then she closed the door behind her.

As I turned to sit down, my eyes were drawn to the sign on the mirror that said simply, “Please watch the Breast Self Exam video while you wait.” I thought to myself, “Hmmm. I’m not sure my wife really wants me watching that . . . better not.”

Then I saw something I had never seen before: a breast model. Not a nude female but a silicon-like breast on a platter . . . . I mean, tray. OK, I honestly don’t know what it was sitting on because I couldn’t help but look at it and wonder, “Why in the world am I in here with that?”

I decided that I needed to read something while I waited. Southern Living? No, I wasn’t really interested in that. Besides, I often see issues of that magazine when Michelle’s subscription is delivered to the house. RedBook? No, that didn’t really strike my fancy either. The only other available options were a copy of a Gideon-placed Bible and a breast cancer support magazine.

I have never more regretted my choice to pass over the Bible as I did on this day. On the cover of the breast cancer magazine, the headline story just jumped out at me: “Men Share Their Breast Cancer Stories.” Oh, golly . . . just what I wanted to see. Of course, I turned to that article and read all about men wearing pink for breast cancer awareness. I learned several things about male breast cancer, and to be honest, it made me think I was probably a goner.

What was probably just a few minutes seemed like an eternity as I thought through such pertinent matters as who I would call first, where I wanted to be buried, and what musical selections I would definitely want sung at my funeral.

Then another nurse-looking person came in and told me to follow her. We went into a room for the dreaded mammogram. I removed my shirt and undershirt and did exactly as she instructed. The woman said a few things to try and make me feel more comfortable – like, “You’re not the only man who’s had this done.”

“Yeah, right,” I thought to myself.

As I scooted closer into the contraption, she told me that the pressure she applied would hurt for a bit but that it wouldn’t take long. Let’s just say that I have a whole new appreciation for women. This test was particularly painful, and I struggled to even know what the nurse was saying to me as my mind seemed to turn to mush.

“Are you alright?” she asked. “Yes. . . I mean, no,” I answered, as a dizzy feeling washed over me.

“Here’s a chair. Sit down,” she said. Then she opened the door, and called loudly to a co-worker, “I need a cold pack in here!”

Now I must admit that I am a real wuss when it comes to medical stuff. I mean, after all, I once passed out cold at the eye doctor. Too much information just does a real number on me. And today I felt a bit overloaded.

After placing the cold pack on my bald head, the nurse said, “You just stay right there. We can do the other side sitting down.”

“The other side?!” I asked with complete bewilderment. “But that side is fine!”

“Well, we just want to be sure,” she replied.

So here I was in a clinic I didn’t want to be in, surrounded by stuff I didn’t want to look at, trying to somehow press my hairy chest into a contraption that it clearly was not designed for. You can imagine my relief when she said, “All done.”

The ultrasound was WAY easier than the mammogram. The only pain with that was when she snatched off the ‘x’ of adhesive tape that marked the spot in question. And really, I’d have preferred a full-body wax job to the humiliation I felt during that first experience.

Following a conversation with the doctor and nurse, my fears were confirmed – no, not that I had a major problem . . . but that I DIDN’T and had gone through this experience for seemingly no reason.

I asked the doctor if this was something I should be concerned about in the future.

“No,” he answered. “Besides, if you’ve had this for two years, if it were malignant, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”

Just as I suspected. They did think I was a goner!

What did I gain from this experience? Well, let’s see:

• Peace of mind that I’m going to be OK.
• An incredible sense of empathy for women throughout the world
• A strange identification with cows
• A real understanding of why a man might hesitate to follow-up at a place called the Baptist Breast Center

Any regrets? Well, yes, just one. Given the chance to do it all over again, I’d definitely have touched the fake boob. I mean, after all, it’s kind of like Halley’s Comet. How many times will that opportunity come knocking?

Oh yeah, one more thing. The next time I wear my pink shirt or tie to church, I’ll be sporting it with a much greater respect for those who have not only been affected by breast cancer — but also for those who have merely endured the diagnostic tests.

I’m finding that in those times of difficulty, it is important to take time to reflect on the blessings of life. And I have many of them. When discouragement comes, we have a choice to make. We can focus on the negatives, or we can focus on the positives.

For example, no matter what I may be facing, God has blessed me with a wonderfully supportive wife, two incredible kids, and a thriving ministry in a church that I love dearly. These are truly blessings from above, and when I pause to recognize them as such, I help any feelings of discouragement to diminish.

You know, I’m a lot like the apostle Paul. He was a man who knew how to make good choices — but that didn’t necessarily mean he always made them (Rom. 7:15). He was a man who was passionate, zealous, and strong-willed. He knew what it was to have plenty and to be in want (Phil. 4:12). He struggled with weaknesses and a ‘thorn in the flesh’ (2 Cor. 12:7), yet he trusted God to reveal His power even through those things (2 Cor. 12:9-10).

Paul knew the joy that comes from putting others first and considering them better than himself (Phil. 2:2-3). In fact, many of us understand the truth in those words as well. When we serve through a ministry or volunteer in our community, we are exposed to needs that make ours seem less urgent.

For today I will seek above all to follow Paul’s instructions in Phil. 4:8:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.”

No matter what your struggle or state of mind, may you find strength for today as you focus on blessings, as you pray with thanksgiving, and as you rest in the shelter of His unfailing love.

It is my sincere belief that the times in which we live are urgent. And while I am confident in my eternal destiny by virtue of faith in Jesus Christ, it’s hard sometimes to not be afraid . . . to be anxious . . . to worry about tomorrow.

To all those who are in Christ, we truly have nothing to fear. The apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 1:21, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Of course, that doesn’t mean we necessarily look forward to experiencing trials and death, but we have the very promise of Jesus who himself acknowledged the anxious feeling that most of us have from time to time. He said, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33b)

The thing about having a personal relationship with Christ is that in spite of all the troubles, the questions, the frustrations, and the heartaches of this world, we can still experience abundant life. If you do not know for sure what would happen to your soul if you died today, I can’t think of anything more significant to you at this time.

God loves you more than you could possibly imagine. And He wants you to choose to enjoy that abiding peace and joy that can come only from a relationship with Him. John 3:16-17 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

If you have never trusted Christ as Savior and Lord of your life, what are you waiting for? Scripture states plainly that one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. I urge you to make sure — make absolutely sure — that you are ready to meet Him whenever that time comes for you. For those who wait until the mass chorus of confessions, it will be too late. I’m so glad that even though this world is not my home, Jesus has made a place for me. He’d love nothing more than to prepare a place for you too!

If you have questions about how you can experience this abundant life and hope for tomorrow, please feel free to contact me. You may also visit the sites listed below.

Real Life Stories of God’s Transforming Power
Here’s Hope for You

Our new-this-morning unemployment rate of 9.7% doesn’t begin to fully tell the story of the 7.4 million jobs lost since the current recession began in December 2007.

And for every one of those people without work, there is a story. . .a story of lost income. . .a story of emotional upheaval. . .a story of psychological distress.

Those families where jobs are lost experience higher rates of health issues, sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression. And the snowballing effects of unemployment lead many to feel that suicide is the only way out.

Yet somehow this weekend, we will celebrate Labor Day in the United States. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m all for celebrating holidays. And I’m all for celebrating the jobs that we do have in our nation. I just pray that in our quest to put an exclamation point on summer that we will find it in our hearts to be mindful of those who feel left behind by an economic environment that shows marginal improvement, at best.

Here are a few tips on how to connect with others in need this Labor Day weekend:

• Invite an unemployed family over to your place for a cook-out. Show them you care, and for a couple hours, help them escape from the constant worry that comes with being out of work and low on hope.
   
• Help someone polish a resume. A well-written and cleanly formatted resume can set a person apart in job screening processes. Your assistance could make a huge difference!
   
• Write a letter of recommendation for a friend or former colleague who is struggling to find work.
   
• Send a card or note of encouragement to someone who needs to know you care about their situation.
   
• Offer to watch the children of an unemployed parent for a few hours. This break will do wonders for them!
   
• Give a gift card for food or gasoline to someone without work. In this economy, even the basic resources are hard to come by, as indicated by the record numbers of people on government assistance.
   
• Make a donation of good-quality dress clothing and/or shoes to your local Salvation Army or Goodwill Store. After all, how many of us have far more than we need — in a wide range of sizes — hanging in our closets? Your gently used but poorly fitting garments might be great for a job interview situation for someone in need.

As the old saying goes, “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.” I contend that if our nation is to get back on the right track, those of us who belong to Christ must start acting like it! It’s time for us to turn back to God, fall on our knees and repent of our sin. . .and demonstrate His amazing love to those in need.

You can be missional right where you are. No travel required. Look for the opportunities around you. . .and get involved in Jesus’ name.

Remember His words?

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25: 35-39)

Stress is a very normal part of life. All people experience it — some to a greater extent than others. In this crazy world in which we live, there is no shortage of factors that can cause stress — or distress, which ever term you like best. Stress can show up in ways that are physical, psychological, or emotional/spiritual. And all of us have experienced some symptoms in each category at some point in life.

Anytime stress impacts us, it also impacts those around us — especially those closest to us. It affects us as spouses, as employees, as parents, and as friends. Sometimes the people around us are able to recognize the effects of stress in our lives even before we ourselves.

Change of any kind can produce stress. In times of political and economic change, as we are currently experiencing, stress can take a real toll on the culture. As I mentioned a few days ago in my post about unemployment, people who are without work — or facing the threat of a lay-off — are at high risk of suffering from stress in many forms.

The fact is that none of us can know what the future holds. But, praise God, we know He holds the future. If you are experiencing a time of high stress, I encourage you to take adequate care of yourself. Here are a few tips:

• Be spiritually centered through prayer and meditation on the Word of God.
   
• Get proper rest and nutrition. Don’t skip meals!
   
• Carve out time to exercise at least several days per week. Exercise is a natural stress reliever.
   
• Find safe people with whom to share your frustrations.
   
• Do your best to leave work stress at the office. Don’t dump the stress on your spouse or kids!
   
• Find ways to unplug from work. In this world of advanced technology, it’s easy to always be “on” and constantly connected through e-mail, voice-mail, etc. Set aside some protected time to get away from it all.
   
• Make a daily list of things you are thankful for. It’s easy to focus on the negatives in life.
   
• We must be intentional in finding things that are positive. Surround yourself with positive people, positive music, and positive literature.
   
• If you find the news distressing, as many people do, limit your access to it. One time per day of listening to a typical radio or TV newscast will provide plenty of negative information!
   
• Find time each day to connect with your spouse and kids for at least a few meaningful minutes. These moments will remind you what’s most important in life — and keep you focused during difficult times.
   
• Set aside time each week for an extended focus on building your marriage relationship. Something as simple as a half-hour walk together, a lunch date, or a leisurely drive can really give you and your partner a boost.
   
• Enjoy sex with your spouse. Yes, you read that right! The sexual relationship is gift of God to help us connect with our spouses. When we take time to enjoy that gift, we experience relaxation and stress relief as an added bonus.
   
• Get involved in something bigger than yourself. Studies show that those who are involved in church and community activities typically handle stress better than those who live more isolated lifestyles.
   
• Find a few times per week to refresh your spirit. This may be through reading a good book, watching a light-hearted comedy show, taking a long hot bath, or some other favorite activity.

These are just a few ways to help manage stress. Hopefully you have found some other things that work well for you. I leave you today with a favorite Bible verse:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-5, NIV)

If you are married, please take a moment to answer this poll question:

There are many issues associate with unemployment, including:

• Worry / Stress / Anxiety 

Medical professionals report that they are seeing more and more people for anxiety-related problems and psychosomatic issues, such as sleep and appetite disturbance, headaches, upset stomach, and panic attacks. And they are dispensing antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications to help the unemployed cope with their plight.

•  Declining physical health

In addition to the psychological issues related to unemployment, there are increasing risks to physical health as well. As we all know, healthy food is more expensive than junk food — and in economic times when every penny counts, the unemployed are turning to fast food and processed foods to help make ends meet. Unfortunately, many are also paying less attention to their physical conditioning, cutting out regular exercise. At a time when they really should be taking care of themselves — for good first impressions during interviews — many of the unemployed are finding it much easier to just sit on the couch and feel sorry for themselves. This is a dangerous trap indeed.

• Lack of fulfillment

We all know that most people get a real sense of personal satisfaction from their jobs. Even if they don’t necessarily enjoy the work, having a regular job gives people purpose and a reason to get up and face each day. There is a very real sense of grief associated with loss of a job. It is easy for the unemployed to fall into depression.

• Family Strife

When the going gets tough, family relationships frequently suffer. Strapped by financial difficulty and worry, it can become especially easy to lash out at spouses and children. In cases where extended family members are being called on for financial support, inability to repay debt in a timely fashion can add to the relational stress. For some, moving in with extended family is the only option to avoid homelessness.

• Floundering faith

I have several Christian friends who have been looking for work for more than a year now. While they remain optimistic that something will open up soon, these friends also admit the toll that unemployment has taken on their personal faith — not so much their belief in God, but rather their lack of understanding of how He is working out His purposes in their lives. One friend I spoke with today told me that she didn’t know where next month’s mortgage payment will come from, but she added, “God always provides.”

Tips for relating to unemployed persons

During these difficult times, I urge you to be an encourager to those who are seeking employment. Here are just a few tips:

• If you are gainfully employed, be grateful. Try not to complain about your work in the presence of those who have no job. 
   
• Try not to complain about high prices to your neighbor who has no income. 
   
• Be willing to offer assistance. Even providing a hot meal once per week can meet a great practical need for those struggling to find work.
   
• Offer to watch the kids — at no charge. Most couples do not get to have date nights very often. In this economy, the cost of a meal and movie PLUS babysitting makes quality couple time even more difficult. 
   
• Invite your unemployed friend or neighbor to go to church with you. When people fall on hard times, they are often most receptive to messages of hope. And if their interaction with people has been limited, they may just enjoy the opportunity to have some human interaction.
   
• Pray for your unemployed friends, neighbors, and family members. And let them know you are praying for them.

Your understanding and encouragement can go a long way to make a positive difference for those struggling through unemployment.

Last week’s devastating cyclone in Burma has left thousands upon thousands dead. And with that nation’s power-hungry regime in place, the free world may never know the final numbers. Those who would seek to help the desperate people find their attempts shunned — or worse, their food and basic supplies confiscated by the government. We must pray.

The tornadoes and flooding that continue to characterize this season’s weather pattern have already left hundreds homeless here in the states. And forecasters predict several more weeks of storms. We must pray.

In China this week, an earthquake registering 7.9, rocked the region for a period of two to three minutes. In its wake, thousands are dead, many trapped beneath the rubble, and many more simply listed as missing. We must pray.

Just this morning, news media reports a new cyclone headed in the direction of weather-weary Burma. What is being hailed as one of the worst huminatarian crises in recent history appears to be getting even worse. We must pray.

Prayer is one of those things that is deeply personal, but I believe, extremely powerful. It is through prayer that we communicate with God. Besides each of these terrible calamities already mentioned, we each have our own issues and situations that need a special touch from God today.

For many, the rising costs of living pose very real threats to financial stability — especially to those on fixed incomes. For others, the reality of job loss is impacting not only their financial status but also their self-esteem. Still others face situations too painful for words.

Soren Kierkegaard once said, “Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays.”

Isn’t it good to know that in a world filled with change and uncertainty, we have a God who is constant? I have no trouble finding people to pray for and things to pray about. In fact, each of us has a million reasons to pray.

For today, I encourage you to pray that God will change you into the person He desires for you to be. That kind of change does not happen overnight. It will demand patience and perseverance. It will demand time, energy, and heightened priority. It will demand more than words, more than conviction. It will demand sacrifice, perhaps in a number of ways.

Whether we seek to change the world – or just our little corner of it. . . we must pray.

Are you struggling with something today that no one else knows about? Do you feel all alone? Feel free to contact me. I would love the opportunity to pray for you.