Power in Prayer: Don’t Panic, Pray

by Marilynn Chadwick

We are living in turbulent times. The Middle East has erupted into a rapidly escalating war between Israel and Iran. No one can predict the full impact of this explosive conflict. Russia and Ukraine remain locked in their ongoing battle. Wars and rumors of wars abound. Strange weather patterns threaten many, as do virulent diseases and disasters. Our streets and cities grow more violent. Jesus told his disciples that these and other signs would point to his imminent return (Matthew 24).

The Doctrine of Imminence refers to the belief that the return of Jesus Christ (the Rapture) is possible at any moment. It emphasizes a constant state of readiness and expectancy among believers as they live in anticipation of Christ's soon return.

If you read the New Testament with this doctrine in mind, you’ll notice every author believed Jesus’s return was imminent, yet there is no hint of panic.

For example, the apostle Peter writes, “The end of all things is near. Therefore, be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:7-10 NIV).

But notice this: When the “end of all things is near,” Peter doesn’t warn us to flee, panic, or shelter in place. The very first thing Peter instructs when the end is near is to pray. Peter also urges us to love others fervently, to be hospitable, and to use our gifts to serve others and penetrate darkness with light. He reminds us to “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15).

During Peter’s day and throughout church history, many have sensed the return of Jesus could happen at any moment. Whether we believe Jesus’s return is soon or years in coming, we can learn from Martin Luther’s strong admonition: “Preach [and live] like Jesus was crucified yesterday, rose from the dead today, and is coming back tomorrow.”

How do we pray? And more specifically, how should we live as we wait for Jesus’s return?

The Bible gives us our marching orders. As we wait for Jesus’s return, we must remain attached to Jesus and keep the “oil in our lamp,” which represents being continually filled with the Holy Spirit (Matthew 25:1-13). We are to faithfully serve the least and the lost while we wait for our soon coming king (Matthew 25: 24-40). Above all, we must always be on the lookout. Jesus exhorts us, “Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour” (Matthew 25:13).

If you thought the time was short, would you hustle to share the Gospel? How would your investment of time, talents, and treasures be different if you thought Jesus’s return was imminent?

Remember, prayer precedes everything else. Jesus reminds us to “pray earnestly to the Lord of the Harvest. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few” (Luke 10:2 ESV).

Why not start today with this simple prayer, “Lord, send me.”

Sabbath Rest: Sharing Our Stories

by Marilynn Chadwick

All three of our now grown children especially looked forward to the end of our Day Off, which they referred to as “Family Home Night.” These were weekly times of shared togetherness at the close of Sabbath and included special movies, family prayers, Bible stories, and make-your-own-pizzas. The movies we selected didn’t always have a spiritual message, but they helped reinforce a value or character quality such as perseverance, compassion, kindness, or courage.

Our family movies often launched spontaneous times of talking, sharing, laughing, and dreaming. The kids seemed to take this time to heart. Early on, we decided Family Home Night was not a “friend-sleepover night,” but no one seemed to mind. They grew to eagerly anticipate the much-needed space set aside for rest and time with just our family. They felt renewed by the safe haven of home. Refreshed, they were ready to reenter the fray.

I have found that Sabbath and giving space to share stories seem to go together. This was especially evident during our mission trips to other cultures. There, life moves at a slower pace. There, we forget our to-do list and welcome the unexpected. This is often the case in places where war or suffering have torn the people and their land. I remember the young Rwandan mother, a survivor of the horrific genocide. She shared her story of pain after our worship service together. I was amazed by her courage and strength. She said, “It is good to know you have not forgotten us.” We kept in touch for years, but it was Sabbath-keeping that opened the door for our shared stories and friendship.

Sabbath goes against the grain of a world that is too busy to care. Sabbath is life in slower motion. For this reason, Sabbath lends itself to sharing our stories, fears, burdens, testimonies, hopes and dreams. We were not created to experience Sabbath in isolation. I wonder if biblical Sabbath-keeping could become a powerful counter-cultural strategy in a world which thirsts for freedom from overwork, idolatry, and isolation. In a world that desperately needs shalom.

A few questions to get you thinking. You may want to experiment until you find the rhythm of rest that works best for you or your family.

1. How often does your family take a day off where you don’t do work, housework, or yard work?

2. Describe the perfect day off. Where would you go and with whom? Is there a nearby park or hiking trail you enjoy?

3. What activities do you and your family enjoy at home together? What activities do you enjoy doing alone? Would you invite a friend to join you in the activity?

4. What are some good movies or books you could reserve for your weekly “Day Off?” Are there special treats you could plan ahead? Ideas: Make your own pizza; popcorn with sea salt and coconut oil, drizzled with dark chocolate. Think of fun snacks that don’t require much preparation.

5. Are you one who enjoys cooking or is “Door Dash” your new best friend? How can you plan a special meal ahead of time that you or your family would enjoy on your day off?

6. What gets in the way of taking a day off each week? Conflicting job schedules, family members with different routines, kids’ sports? Are there changes that would help?

7. What are creative ways you or your family could read the Bible and pray together on your day off—maybe over a cup of specialty coffee in a nearby park or quiet setting?

8. What is your most significant “takeaway” from the teachings on Sabbath? Is there one change you can make today to begin to enjoy God’s gift of rest?

Sabbath Rest: Stop Worrying

by Marilynn Chadwick

In addition to “not working” on the Sabbath, the observant Jew also practices “not worrying.” Seriously. How does one “not worry?” Is that even possible? A friend coined this snappy little acronym:

W.O.R.R.Y: Worry Only Robs Rest from You

It’s true. Worrying is exhausting.

I realize as believers in Jesus, we’re not obligated to keep Sabbath according to any particular formula or law. But a true confession. After some honest reflection, I’ve come to realize that worry actually drains my energy and robs my inner peace way more than work does. Worry (translated as “I really, really care”) seems logical, even useful.

I have plenty of excuses for why I worry:

• “I just have a vivid imagination.”

• “I have lots to do.”

• “There are so many people I care about.”

Worry just comes with the territory, right? No. Not if we look at what the Bible says.

I’ve been reflecting lately on Paul’s words about worry: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” Next, he says to “tell God what you need and thank Him for what he has already done” (Phil 4:6, 7 NLT). These are training tips from a guy in prison who was always in danger of getting killed. But look at the amazing promise in verse 8: “Then God’s peace, which is greater than the human mind can understand, will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Wow. Prayer sounds like a much better use of my energy than worrying. I wonder if turning my “cares into prayers” (in the words of Charles Spurgeon) might be one way to stop this pesky Sabbath thief at the door? Not worrying on the Sabbath—or any other day for that matter—now that’s new territory! I truly want to learn to walk more solidly in my faith and drive out worry. But old habits die hard, so I’ll have to be patient with myself. Maybe you’d like to share some useful tips for how you deal with worry. Remember, we’re all in this together. Let’s encourage each other as we learn how to rest worry free.