The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

From AIDs Crisis: What We Can Do:

There’s a Western belief that solving any global problem is just a question of will, strategy, and resources.

It seems that most Christians do operate on this principle.  Perhaps it’s the Puritan work ethic that permeates our culture.  Work hard, put on a lot of programs, raise money  – that is how we will see global change, in the name of Jesus.  People will come into the kingdom by means of a really good church campaign, or “relevant” campus event.

Perhaps the biggest lesson learned from the Philippines:

• this world is messed up
• people messed it up
• only Jesus can save us from ourselves

It’s a dangerous place to be when we think that we can dig ourselves out of a deep dark pit without any light.  Movements for justice and peace are meaningless without Jesus because history has shown that, given the opportunity, mankind will not move towards reconciliation and healing without God’s prompting.

Let us keep our hope in the sovereign God, and trust that He is powerful enough to transform.  Let us worship a powerful God who will bring about mighty works of change, because it is His character to do so.

~ by Liz on November 22, 2008.