Jeremiah 1:17, 18 “Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land-against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you, declares the Lord.”
Jeremiah 2:13 “My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken Me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.”
How do we follow Jeremiah’s instructions to get ourselves ready? It isn’t hard to relate to Jeremiah’s description of being terrified to speak out. However, if we are to influence others, protect our children and change public policy we must heed his command. We need to stand up and speak the truth to our officials, church leaders and the people of our land.
In Jeremiah 2:2 we are told to “Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem.” The Lord also says in that verse, “I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved me and followed me through the desert, through a land not sown.”
There is much to learn about following God but maybe the task is as simple as looking back to the devotion we held for the Lord in the days of our youth. I remember how easy it was to think, “I’ll go where ever you send me.” As a new bride, it was with optimism that I looked to the future. I was “all in” and wanted to follow my mate, because I chose to be devoted to him. So how do we get ready? I think we prepare by remembering our first love.
Where are we going? I don’t really have a clue, and I don’t suppose that matters. Does a young married couple have any idea what is in store for them? I certainly was “wet behind the ears” as a new bride thirty years ago! Thank God, He is faithful. He is the one that will lead us through the desert and through the land not sown.
A few years back, when our CWA Prayer Action Chapter first met, we did not have a written plan as far as where we were going. We simply began meeting together to pray. It is apparent today that it was God who brought our small group of believing women together. Our personalities and interests couldn’t be more varied!
One of the ladies in the group has musical and artist abilities and uses her talents to teach art classes and to sing for others. There are many times she speaks openly of her convictions in these activities. God has given her an enthusiasm for all things beautiful, including children! Another lady in our Chapter, is known for the ways she reaches out to the young and old in her community and surrounding area. God’s gift of a strong spine and a clear mind are apparent in the ways she expresses her desire to know and follow God’s will. The third woman is a teacher who enjoys bringing God’s love to students and fellow teachers.
Janne Myrdal, the Director of CWA in North Dakota is a woman on a mission. She often says, “North Dakota will be the first abortion free state.” As she has followed God’s leading to speak out about the issues of life, God’s message is being heard far and wide. The Lord has provided many opportunities for Janne to speak on numerous radio interviews, in meetings with political leaders, and at a variety of public gatherings such as tea party events. Janne’s love for her Savior and Redeemer is apparent by her love for all those scarred by the abortion industry.
Are you interested in being a part of CWA? Now is the time to heed the warning from Jeremiah 2:13, “They have forsaken me, the spring of living water.” Become involved in a Prayer Action Chapter. It isn’t about waiting to improve your talents before joining others to pray for our country. Rather it is about obeying God’s call today. Now is the time to be involved with Concerned Women for America! Ask God to direct your steps and join us as we faithfully “go and proclaim” God’s love in a world that is lost. (Jeremiah 2:2)
Together let us keep our eyes on Him, because “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” I Peter 4:7-10.
For more information or to join CWA of North Dakota, contact Janne Myrdal (director@northdakota.cwfa.org).