True Power

And behold, the word of the Lord came to [the prophet Elijah], and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.”

11 And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper… (1 Kings 19:9-12)

This is a hard time for people who love our immigrant neighbors and want to share the love of Jesus with them. Not only do we face the usual difficulties—hard work, funding problems, language difficulties, and so forth—but we also live in a time when the attitude of others around us has drastically changed—when our friends, neighbors, and even our own relatives may oppose what we’re doing. “How can you waste your time on those people?” we get asked. “They don’t deserve your care.”

It’s discouraging, even heartbreaking. We see the need, and it’s just as great as it ever was. Newcomers still need to learn English, learn skills, develop friendships, and cope with the systems and customs of a culture that is completely new to them. And like all human beings, they need to know their Savior, Jesus, who gave his life for them just as he did for us. They need the forgiveness, love, and life that Jesus gives all his people, now that he has risen from the dead, never to die again.

But how can we meet these needs when the culture around us has become so unfriendly?

Only by relying on the Lord, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Jesus isn’t surprised when the attitudes and beliefs of people change. It doesn’t stop him from doing exactly what God the Father sent him to do—reaching out to people in need with love, mercy, and life. And if Jesus is working through us—if we rely on him instead of on our own wisdom and power—well, then, we won’t be stopped, either. Because his power is the true power, and it overcomes all the winds and fires and earthquakes of this world.

Dear Lord, it’s hard right now. Live through me and show your love to these people who need you so much—just as I do. Amen.