The present hard times have plagued many with the feeling of helplessness. When systems, governments and institutions are not able to hold up, the mere individual wonders if he or she can by his or herself make any difference. Well, it is in the darkest of spaces when light shines the brightest.God’s word reveals that it is during the most difficult times  when the believer ought to rise to action more than ever. It is during such times when we quicken our faith in Christ Jesus become the light that overcomes the darkness in the world.

The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In 1 Peter 4:7-11, Apostle Peter admonishes us on how God’s children can rise to action and remain rooted in fulfilling God’s mission on earth. In the scripture verses, we discover three (3) key actions we must relentlessly embark on as believers in and out of season as we wait on the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. In our faithful obedience to these three (3) extremely important actions, we will shine with the light of Christ and God’s glory will be manifested.

Pray

The first thing Peter calls the believer to do is to be earnest and disciplined in their prayers. Praying is not an easy feat, especially in trying times. To the carnal mind, prayer can feel like wasted effort but to the spiritual mind it is a mighty weapon that through Jesus Christ is able to pull down and demolish the strongholds of the enemy. Praying to God is our lifeline that keeps our faith alive. We pray to stay connected to God which allows God to perform His works through us. When we pray, God hears us and acts on it, we may not see the results always immediately but prayers are NEVER in vain. Beloved in Christ I entreat you to keep on praying and never give up for we serve a faithful God.

The effective, [b]fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

James 5:16b NKJV

Love

Second love each other. Difficult times can make us become very self focused and neglect others as we strive to survive. God’s word reminds us that such times are when we ought to show deep love for one another. It is a time when we place others’ needs above our own, and share with others what we have. Our demonstration of selflessness, care, kindness, hospitality and more is what will revive hope in the hearts of people and sustain all of us in such times. God’s love will saturate the earth and God will truly be glorified. 

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

John 13:34 NKJV

Serve

Thirdly, serve one another with your gifts. God has blessed all of us with gifts to be used to do His will on earth. Times of need call us to use these gifts to fulfill the needs of humanity. Whatever it is that we can do, we must do it diligently. The scripture emphasizes that we serve not half heartedly but with all the strength and ability God supplies that our service will bring honor to God. The acts of service you will do may be the answers to prayers of others, God will work through your gifts to fulfill the needs of others and make you a blessing in the lives of many.

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,”

Colossians 3:23

Pray, love and serve with all heart and strength to God’s glory and you see God’s mighty move in the earth to turn things around. Be blessed!