Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.  Revelation 3:19

 I literally just had to stop what I was doing and kneel down to pray, because I feel sick to my stomach at what is happening in our country.  While there has been a persistent theme that Americans had to make a choice between the lesser of two evils when voting for our next president, I had no idea the extent to which evil would be revealed across America in this season.

Hearing about the racism and misogyny that has been unleashed is disturbing.  But I realize now that it was always there, just more carefully hidden.  It is always a good thing when sin is exposed; I trust that Jesus is shining his light of truth on America’s secrets for his good purpose.

…He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart…  1 Corinthians 4:5

I confess I can hear about these things in another state, and though I don’t like it, I don’t get too disturbed.  But now when I see these things happening in my own community, even nasty social media comments made by people I know to other people I know, it depresses me.  I know that even though I am surprised by the depravity, God is not surprised by any of this.  I wonder, is it OK to be distraught over these things I see?  I think I can trust God and still be distraught, but I need not lose heart.  I look to International Justice Mission for guidance in this, as they regularly have their hearts broken by unbelievable injustice while battling incredible evil in the hope and spirit of Christ.

I’ve been studying Revelation, Jesus’ words of commendation and correction to his church.  I can only pray that his people in America today will repent and shine his light faithfully, reflecting his character and not that of the hostility around us.  I praise God that he is the One who calls us to repentance, the One who restores, the One who redeems and rebuilds.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord…everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.  Ephesians 5:8-13

Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God.  Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.  Revelation 3:2-3