JULY 20–26: PIONEERING PEACE
Come Follow Me “Our Eyes Are upon Thee” 2 Chronicles 14–20; 26; 30
What does it mean to be a pioneer? ‘To boldly go where no one has gone before.’ [Star Trek motto] Or maybe it’s just to go to where you want or need to be, in spite of the obstacles. Sometimes we bring peace to the table, only to be reciprocated with distrust and hostility.
What are your obstacles, your battles? Temptations? Addictions? Emotional illness? The choices of others, or of your past? A fight for something you know should and could be better, to create solutions. We all have our battles - that is fact.
This week we honor the pioneers who went before us, those who crossed oceans to settle in a new world, who fought for freedom from tyranny, who put their knowledge to making a steam engine, computers, works of art. We are recipients of what their battles were fought for. Perhaps we fight our battles so others won’t have to.
It’s not easy. ‘Father, can you hear me? Will you listen to me for a while?’ This song shows clips from the movie 17 Miracles, a telling of the difficulties faced by pioneers crossing the United States in the mid 1800s. Within twenty years, May of 1869, the 6-month trek could be made in days, on the Transcontinental Railway.
Many had to come through before the way was made easier. Always remember.
Prayer of the Walking Child - Dave Tinney
We fight hard for battles against our body, its diseases and appetites. Sometimes we lose that battle. But that isn’t all the the Lord is fighting for. His perspective is far greater - He’s fighting the battle for our souls, for our eternal selves. So many lose stamina for this battle and give up. He persists on our behalf - stay with Him.
‘Oh my soul, … Sing His praise, Set your face... Set your gaze... Oh my heart, still yourself and know the Lord. Oh my soul, Be still and wait.’
Alisa Childers - The Battle is the Lord’s
‘When I feel the ache of burdens no one sees, I will feel the strength of those who came before. Showing how to trust, not knowing how it ends, they looked to You always believing in the God who made it possible.’
Possible/Come, Come Ye Saints - Carrie Yost
Battles are fought in our weakest moments, when other distractions are quiet, when it seems like we are on our own. But we’re not.
‘Thy promise is sure; we are safe in Thy care. Thou wilt help all God’s children their burdens to bear. So to Thee I will look to be kept in the light, And hold in remembrance my song in the night.’
My Song in the Night - BYU Women’s Chorus
You are His child. His purpose. He fights for you. Cling to His strength.