What if the Evening News led with the Good News?
What if the opening segment on the evening news didn’t highlight the latest crime or showcase the most recent political drama? What if the breaking news had nothing to do with violence but instead focused on the Living God who is currently on the move in unseen ways around the globe?
Can you imagine the impact if the news anchor led with: “Tonight, we’ll take a behind-the-scenes look at a Kingdom power that is taking the world by storm. Astonishing power is being unleashed in ordinary people’s lives and bringing unprecedented transformation that defies explanation!”
Sure, it’s unlikely, but doesn’t this scenario cause a shift in our perspective? We need to be reminded that God stands bigger than our battles. His Sovereign hand extends around the globe, across our nation and into every home and heart. We are not at the mercy of our circumstances because our Almighty God is always on the move and His power is unstoppable!
During a difficult time in Israel’s history, God reminds His people to open their hearts and minds to the wonder of His Unshakable Kingdom power!
Look among the nations! Observe!
Be astonished! Wonder!
Because I am doing something in your days—
You would not believe if you were told.
(Habakkuk 1:5 NASB)
The Living God, the Lord of Heaven and Earth, the King of kings and Lord of lords is on the move! So let’s LOOK and BE ASTONISHED at some of the Good News taking placing right now on planet Earth!
The following has been condensed from an article by Lee Grady read by Susie Larson on her Live the Promise radio show.
Muslims are coming to Christ faster than ever. David Garrison, author of the book A Wind in the House of Islam, says something unprecedented is stirring in the Muslim world. "We are living in the midst of the greatest turning of Muslims to Christ in history.” He cites evidence that dozens of powerful Christian movements have started among Muslims since the year 2000.
The gospel is transforming China. The British newspaper The Telegraph reported two years ago that Christianity is growing so fast in China that it will most likely be considered a Christian nation by 2030. Given China’s economic power in the world, this has huge implications for our future.
The United States is in a church-planting boom. Church growth expert Ed Stetzer says new churches are actually being planted in the United States faster than old ones are dying—and research shows that 60-80 percent of the people who join new churches are from unchurched backgrounds. More people are being reached for the gospel today than we can imagine.
Spiritual hunger is rising in our nation. I'm not denying that segments of our culture have grown hostile to Christian faith. But the popularity of faith-based films such as War Room caught Hollywood by surprise this year. Popular Bible teachers get as much or more traction on Twitter and other social media than secular celebrities. And the amount of Christian content on You Tube, Periscope or other digital media today is staggering.
The Bible is still the most popular book ever. The Bible ranks at the top of all favorite book lists among Americans. And according to the Guinness Book of World Records, it is also the best-selling and most widely distributed book in the world. Nearly 4 billion copies of the Bible were printed and sold globally in the last five decades—far exceeding any other book.
Jesus is still on the throne. The last book of the Bible reminds us that when it's time for Jesus to come back, He will return victorious. All His enemies will bow down and acknowledge His lordship.
LOOK!
BE ASTONISHED!
BE FULL OF WONDER!
Wonder-seekers are never defeated by bad news.
“They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast trusting in the LORD.”
(Psalm 112:7)
Lord, may fresh glimpses of Your wonder silence our worry and may we stand courageous—full of peace and joy—aware that the power of our Unstoppable Savior has already overcome the world!
