A FOREST NIGHT

The leaves have fallen from the trees,

save the willowy group of Tamaracks;

and the coyotes yip in the rustling leaves

with the moonlight on their backs.

The shadows grow in the chilly air

and the wind brings out an owl,

and they know that winter brings its share

when the coyotes start to howl.

 

Yet, they hold on fast through the stirring night,

like the ones who always pray,

having faith and trust in the morning light

and hope for a brand new day.

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.

Luke 18:1

 

 

A FOREST NIGHT

Jesus, our high priest, sympathizes with what we go through and knows our weaknesses. He knows our infirmities and the weight of our hurt and persecution.

For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched with the feeling

of our infirmities; but was in all points

tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 4:15

Also, we read that before the flood, God’s heart was filled with pain.

And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

Genesis 6:6

Our Creator knows what it is to have pain. He knows when we are upset and how sorrow feels.

Like how we feel when some movies and TV shows attack the name of Jesus Christ by including the speaking of His name in vain in their broadcasts. These shows include attacks of the Christian faith. Is there a show that takes the name of a worldly religious leader in vain? Why haven’t shows attacked anyone else? Do we hear Buddha, Muhammad, or anyone else’s name spoken in vain? No, we don't. Nor will we, because truth doesn’t come from man-made lords.

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Acts 4:12

Jesus, the Son of God, is the only Lord who has the power to save.

Because of this truth, those who oppose Christ and His followers advocate persecution of Christ and His followers.

God’s ear is attentive to the distress calls of people who call on Him. His eye goes to and fro seeking those who would call on Him so that He may show Himself strong on their behalf. He is able to perfect that which concerns us, even those who persecute us and for whom we pray for. He keeps track of tears and collects them in a bottle. He avenges those who are persecuted because of their faith.

Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

Luke 18:5

The parable of the persistent widow shows us that we should keep ‘troubling’ God. Giving up is not an option. The persistent prayer request was finally granted to the widow. Our continual committing to God of what weighs heavy on our heart is what we can do. Avenging is one of the things God does.

And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.

Genesis 18:20-21

The people outside of Sodom and Gomorrah had prayed about how bad the sin was within the two wicked cities. The praying people didn’t give up, throw the towel in, and say, “I guess we have to accept things.” God’s eye looked to and fro across the earth. He noticed them and showed Himself strong on behalf of their prayers, utterly destroying the cities and their filth.

The Bible warns:

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Hebrews 10:31

Call on the name of the Lord Jesus to be saved. This is how Creator God has given salvation to those who would accept it. God delivers for His glory. Like those before us, be a persistent caller. Like those before us, don’t give up.

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Psalm 50:15

Call unto me, and I will answer thee and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Jeremiah 33:3

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Remember them that are in bonds,
as bound with them;
and them which suffer adversity,
as being yourselves also in the body.
Hebrews 13:3

Remember to pray throughout the year for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the globe who are in bondage for their faith. Keep a prayer appointment with our Creator God for Sunday, November 6th, 2022, the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.

The leaves have fallen from the maple trees here in my neck of the woods. The willowy tamaracks nearby are gearing up for winter. Creation’s timing reminds us that although the leaves are dying, a spring will return, like morning following night. There will be a return of our Savior King when He comes not as the sacrificial Lamb but the conquering Lion able to give the crown of life to those who had believed in their heart.

Fear none of those things which thou
shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast
some of you into prison, that ye may
be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days:
be thou faithful unto death,
and I will give thee a crown of life.
Revelation 2:10

Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness.

2 Chronicles 6:41

Rely on persistent prayer and reward of goodness.