Desperation
To start with, the temperatures in Dallas this week are ranging from 103° to 107°. The heat index is going to 110° and maybe higher. There are many people without air-conditioning or even a home. There’s no question they are desperate for cooler weather, even shelter. And all of Texas is desperate for the power grid to be able to handle these record-setting demands on the system.
But more importantly, are we a desperate people in America spiritually? My several trips to Cuba over the past two decades revealed what true desperation looked like. A socialistic government which provides very little for the population. I saw the unbelievers yielding to the gospel of Jesus Christ, many out of desperation for their own salvation. And I saw it in the believers who wanted more and more of the only thing that made sense to them, Jesus Christ.
Truth
And what we’re experiencing in Africa is a people desperate for truth, especially fathers and mothers. The families are broken and most of it can be laid at the feet of the fathers. Right now, the men, dads, pastors, grandfathers are hungry for truth about fatherhood. And once the Abiding Fathers’ discipleship message is introduced to them, they are repenting and desperate to change their own heart, the landscape of their families and their nation. And Rafy will tell you that he is experiencing the same thing across Latin America.
Frankly, and sadly, I don’t see this desperation in the fathers, even the church, in America. Maybe it’s because we have so many other things to turn to other than Jesus. Desperation should lead to finding something or someone that will satisfy your emptiness. You and I are seeing desperate children, misguided teens, and young people today. They are looking for their solution, their escape, in things other than Jesus. He is the only one that can consume their desperation.
Thirsting for Righteousness
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Mt. 5.4) These scorching hot days create a strong thirst to even survive, to satisfy the demands of your body. Maybe we have just not reached the point of desperation in our spiritual lives to hunger and thirst this way. But in our desperation, we must turn to his word, prayer, godly fellowship.
If we’re honest, the truth is that we are much more desperate than we can even imagine. Being honest about it, not fatalistic, is the place to begin. God knows you well, and he has your best interest in his heart. The cross proved that. I don’t want to end on a pessimistic note of being desperate. There is a positive side, and that’s when we are desperate to know more and more about our Savior and Lord, about his kingdom and the plan he has for our life. That’s godly desperation.
Listen to Jesus’ words. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Mt. 11.28-30)
God is always available to listen to and help his desperate people. The sooner we come to know that we are, the more fruitful our life will be. So, are you desperate?
