God bless you

"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26

     Every person and country has problems and life can be exceedingly difficult. Although I live on another continent and in a different culture, a dear friend who lives in Zimbabwe, has asked me to write these spiritual meditations for Zimbabwean Christians. We share a united bond as Christians who love our countries. All of us need God's personal blessing for spiritual empowerment. Our countries urgently need God's blessings for healing and wholeness.

     Zimbabwe is facing many problems with drought, famine, increasing violence and the HIV/AIDS growing epidemic. I have been told many of your farmers have been forcibly forbidden to plant and harvest crops, while increasing numbers of children are dying of malnutrition. Yes, Christians are called to walk by faith, but in these kind of adverse circumstances, how can you be sustained with such overwhelming daily realities?

     Begin by claiming your blessing. When life goes bad, we need blessing for encouragement and strength for the day. Blessing gives us confidence to serve God and others. Blessing helps us live more securely, even when we do not know what the future holds, for we know the One who holds the future.

     The people of Zimbabwe face an uncertain future. It may get worse before it gets better. It will not be easy, living as a Christian in your country. But with your divine blessing, be assured God can and will use you in extraordinary ways. Once blessed, you are always blessed. Human cursing and destructive behavior can never remove the power of God's blessing from you, even when circumstances feel bleak indeed.

     During my prayer time yesterday, I came across a prayer for Africa by Bishop Huddleson. He prayed: "God, bless Africa. Guard her children. Guide her rulers and give her peace. For Jesus Christ's sake, amen." Now go forth in the strength of this prayer and live in the power of God's blessing. Be confident in the knowledge that God is deeply in love with you and your country. Remember God is nearer than your breathing, closer than your hands and feet. God bless you.

     Prayer: Bless the people of Zimbabwe, O God, with faith, hope and love. Bless them with a future full of hope. Provide for their daily needs today, comfort the sick and dying, and encourage your people. We pray these things for Jesus Christ's sake, Amen.

Written by Rev. Dr. Sandy Bochonok
http://soulfoodministry.org
July 3, 2002
Permission is given to freely distribute and share this reflection with the people of Zimbabwe.