Recently I had a dream in which I was in a large arena that had an elephant in the middle of it. I was inside the arena but at the edge, spectating. Also in the arena was a man near the elephant. This elephant was large and full of fury. The only way the man in the centre could avoid being destroyed was to get low and crawl like a caterpillar and then run for the edge of the arena. But behind the door out of the arena were more elephants. I wondered, is it safe to go through there with all those elephants? The man said it was safe, that the elephants wouldn’t do anything. So we went through.

As I was pondering this dream, it reminded me of the nature of God. He is powerful, and if he wanted to, he could destroy us all in an instant. The only way that we can truly approach Him is in humility and fear – He is God and we are not! And yet, he is also like the other elephants who are completely safe. In fact, as safe as a baby!

We remember at this time of year how this mighty, all-powerful God of the universe came to earth as a babe, with all the frailties of humanity, yet without sin. This babe grew up, and out of humble obedience to this great God, willingly sacrificed Himself so that we could approach this great God with confidence (Hebrews 4:14-16). I want to hold in tension this dual truth and not forget what Jesus, by coming to this earth, has saved me from. There is a lost and dying world out there who desperately need to hear this truth.

This is a wonderful time of year to be sharing the good news with young people so let’s make the most of this opportunity to fast and pray for all those who have yet to hear this truth and for those who will take the gospel message to them this Christmas.

Lyndal Walker

International Prayer Director

• Read: Acts 5:1-10 and Hebrews 4:14-16.
• Reflect: How do you feel when you read about the power of God to snuff out a life? How do you respond to the grace and mercy of God?
• You may like to join in with this song.
• Reflect: What other characteristics of God are held in tension with one another? How can you worship Him for who He truly is this month and over this Christmas period?
• This month many ministries are preparing to share the good news of the gospel through Christmas outreach activities. Pray for those you know of in your local context. Pray that young people will be ready to respond to the good news at this time and for the clear proclamation of the gospel.
• Pray for those young people in your community who find Christmas a particularly difficult time of the year. Maybe they come from a broken home, maybe they are living in poverty, maybe they lost loved ones around Christmas time. Whatever their circumstance, lift them and their needs to the Lord.
• Pray for God to continue to raise up harvest workers so that even more young people can be reached in 2024. Pray for their obedience and for their provision.