It's dark and I don't want to go
A strange noise woke me up around 3:15 am. Usually this is a time in the morning I would never willingly wake up. I went running into the living room like a ninja because I wasn't quite coherent. It seemed like the right thing to do, because I thought that's where the sound came from; but nothing was there.
So, I went into the kitchen and looked out the window to find the sprinklers were on. Nothing out of the ordinary, but I stood there for 10 minutes watching the sprinklers and realized they should have turned off by then. My husband was out of town, and my thought was,” Well, I'm not going outside to turn the water off; there are spiders, snakes and monsters out there. I'll wait until I have to get up in like 3 hours. “
I went and laid back down, then God began to speak to me. He asked me why I wouldn't go outside, and my response was, “It's dark and I don't want to.” Then He said, "But you know there is a problem, and you know how to solve it, why are you choosing to go back to bed and deal with it when it's more convenient for you. The water can flood your yard AND your neighbors' yard, plus your water bill will be through the roof. But, you’re choosing to go back to bed because you are too scared to go outside and address the problem."
I laid there for another five minutes, then decided God was right, and I got out of bed, put on pants, shoes and got my book-light flashlight (because I couldn't find a real one) and marched outside. My stance was, "I DOUBLE DOG DARE a spider or snake to bite me!" The walk wasn't short, and I walked THROUGH a spider web and screamed a little, but I found the water main and turned it off.
I went back inside and laid back down, then God spoke to me again about the position I took about waiting to turn the water off was the same position we often take when we see an injustice happening around us. We see something we KNOW is not okay or moral, but because it's not the best time for us, we choose to close our eyes instead of fixing the problem. We look at the difficulties we may face and the lack of resources and say, “I can't do that. I'm just one person. I don't have what I need to make it happen." Then we leave the problem for someone else to deal with, or we wait until all of the circumstances are bright and sunny before we act.
In the book of Esther, a young Jewish woman was placed in the palace to marry the king (who was not Jewish). When the horrible plan to kill her people was made known to her, she did not stay silent. She devised a plan and she acted. She recognized the unique position she had been placed in to be a voice of reason to the king, to rescue her people, and she didn't remain silent. Because of her boldness and fearlessness, the Jewish people were not harmed (I encourage you to read the whole story. It's inspiring and beautiful).
Often times we don't do anything because we are afraid of the unknown, of what's out there once we start on our journey to solve a problem. Esther COULD have kept her mouth shut, but she knew if she refused to act the Jewish people would die. If we refuse to act, humanity suffers. You may not have the resources. You may not have the connections. You may not even know where to begin, but God does.
“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)
When we see things around us that are broken, we need to ask God what we can do to play a part in being His hands and feet to solve the problem. He will give you the strategy. He will open the doors before you. He will make a way for you to bring Heaven to Earth. We have all been given the authority from God to be a light in the darkness of this world.
God has placed you on Earth for such a time as this to bring hope, peace, freedom, comfort and joy to those around you. He intentionally breaks our hearts for what breaks His so we will ACT. We can no longer stay silent when the voiceless are being taken advantage of. We can no longer stay motionless when people are enslaved around us. We can no longer turn a blind eye, because Jesus didn't turn a blind eye when we needed Him to rescue us.
Start small. Is there a homeless outreach you can be a part of? Is there a cause you can help support financially? Can you sew? Maybe you can make something to sell and give the profits to an organization that’s making a difference. Are you praying for justice and peace? There are so many ways you can play a role in bringing Heaven to Earth. I encourage you to pray and ask God how and where you can get involved.
Raema Mauriello
Raema's new book Because Crack is Illegal takes a unique and witty approach to daily devotionals for mothers in every stage of life. For 30 days mothers are encouraged through personal, transparent and comical stories of trial; some bargaining and victory. Each day the reader is challenged to learn, grow, and laugh through reflection and daily application of scripture.
Silver & Gold Holiday Beauty Bash benefiting Gather Her
FREE
'Tis the season for all things that sparkle! Grab your girl tribe, fancy up, and gather 'round at Cotone for a fun evening of beauty and fashion benefiting Gather Her & Created Woman, a non-profit that empowers women to be who they are created to be.
Sip, shop and get pampered all in one place!
*Free Mini Makeovers using Jentri Quinn Makeup + Skin
*Complimentary Braid Bar
*Raffle Prizes (get one free ticket when you RSVP now!)
*Light Bites & Cocktails / Wine
*Holiday Music provided by DJ Anupi
*Candy Bar
*Complimentary Chair massages by Teresa with Roots and Remedy