I was sickened, horrified, and stunned when I heard of the killing of another innocent victim, Atatiana Jefferson, as she played video games at home with her nephew. My heart aches that a youngster witnessed a close loved one’s death. I imagine that any human being with a heart that still beats felt similarly . Many people were emotive and expressed their outrage, anger, sadness, and pain about it in the media and on social media. However, I noted that none of the commentary I read called for any action, solution, or protest.
The landscape of every stratum of America society has changed drastically. Because of the rise of racism, mass shootings, domestic violence, children committing suicide, bullying in school, mental illness, substance abuse, and other social ills, and the overall state of America, I recently prayed and asked God to raise up a national leader like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A few days later, I saw Bishop TD Jakes’ commentary and his declaration of a state of spiritual warfare in response to the killing of Atatiana Jefferson (See TD Jakes Ministries’ Facebook post on Oct, 14, 10:03 pm). I was elated and rejoiced because I believed that God had answered my prayer.
I concur with Bishop Jakes’ spiritual warfare call to action, his list of specific things to pray for and his call for “a new level of spiritual measures.” It is high time for the Body of Christ to pray without ceasing as mandated by God in 1 Thessalonians 5:1. When we examine the scriptures, we see the power of prayer illustrated throughout. Jesus said in Matthew 21:13 “My house shall be called the house of prayer.” There are many ways to protest the status quo but the Lord wants prayer to be preeminent in His house.
Body of Christ, let’s refocus, recalibrate, and redirect our time to praying as Bishop Jakes has suggested. Let’s be intentional in spending more time in prayer and spiritual warfare sessions than the other activities that may have been given greater precedence in God’s house. We have the spiritual power to change things through prayer. Let’s pray increasingly, intentionally, and incessantly in God’s house and in our individual houses until Jesus returns!
Bishop Jakes also called for unity. Jesus prayed five times in John 17 that His followers would be one. We can accomplish more when we are on one accord. Unity was a significant factor in rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem in 52 days under Nehemiah’s leadership. King Solomon, the wisest man next to Jesus, said in Ecclesiastes 4, “Two are better than one…For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow.” All Americans must work together for the common good of our nation.
Additionally, as God’s co-labourers in His plan of redemption for mankind, let’s spend added time carrying out the Great Commission that Jesus gave before His return to Heaven. Jesus is still the only answer for the world today. Our consistent Christian witness will result in the world inquiring about the reason for our hope.
Lastly, as Christians, let’s walk in love to all as Jesus modeled. My mantra for the last few years has been “America come back to God, America come back to love. United we stand, divided we will destroy one”! #atatianajefferson #prayerwithoutceasing #lovelikeJesus
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