June 2010

My dear intercessor,

As I googled the words Human Trafficking – the focus of our prayer this month – I felt sick to my stomach, and a holy anger overcame me.  I want to see justice and liberation given to women and children suffering 17^th century abuses and crimes committed against their God given dignity and freedom in our 21st century world.  But what can a simple woman like me do to change this terrible global situation?  I felt utterly powerless.  I realized though, that this is not just a gender or a social and moral problem.  It is a deeply rooted spiritual problem that has no real sustainable solution apart from God’s powerful intervention.

Now, you might feel as powerless as I felt as you read our prayer calendar this month.  This might be something too far removed from your reality or too difficult for you to grasp.  Maybe it even challenges your faith to the core.  Just remember that “the prayer of a righteous man is POWERFUL and effective” (James 5:16b).  I encourage you to stay firm and not give in to thoughts of unbelief and inadequacy.  Remember that the One we pray to is the same who called the Universe into existence with the power of a word.  He is perfectly capable to answer us no matter how big or out of control the problem seems.  Nothing escapes His power!  Besides, the Bible says that God’s “power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Generations before us saw slavery, which was at the time a global problem, abolished. John Newton and his friends won that battle on their knees! If God’s people pray earnestly believing that He is able to eradicate modern sex slavery and human trafficking, God’s power will do it again.

I once read that our weakness, consecrated to God, is like a magnet, drawing his power into our neediness.   Let’s consecrate our human inadequacy to Him because He delights in listening to our priestly work of intercession.  Let’s anticipate, claim and proclaim Jesus’ victory!  As Martin Luther said, “Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance, but rather getting hold of his willingness.”  God certainly is eternally willing!  He sent Jesus to destroy the works of the devil and set captives free, and He will do it again.

Will you pray expectantly? I will!

Thank you for your willingness and faithfulness, my friend.

Your sister for eternity,

Marli Spieker
Global Ministry Director/Founder
Project Hannah
TWR