By Jennifer Harris
Word&Way News Writer
“Called. We are all called,” said Vivian McCaughan, Woman’s Missionary Union/ Women’s Missions and Ministry specialist for the Missouri Baptist Convention, as she kicked off the 2008 M-Counter at First Baptist Church, Raytown.
The two-day event urged attenders that God’s call comes with a challenge.
That challenge, taken from 2 Chronicles 7:11 states “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
When life gets tough and individuals begin to feel distance from God, this verse provides the answer.
“God already put in place the escape clause,” said Debra Berry, keynote speaker and representative from national WMU. “He has already given us the answer, the solution — already solved our dilemma.”
The “if” statement signifies a conditional deal, Berry said. God has already made the move by sending His son, but God’s people need to get to the point where they are willing to humble themselves, she said.
“We pride ourselves on being proud,” Berry added. “Maybe we’re not seeing revival because we are not willing to pay the price.”
Referencing recording artist John Mayer’s song “Waiting on the World to Change,” Berry reminded the audience that prayer changes things. “Things need to be changed — for the sake of the world and the glory of God,” she said.
She urged the women to find someone or some situation to pray for every day. “Do you believe God is going to change someone’s life because you are praying for him or her?… Paul’s prayers were ‘as consistent as the waves against the shore.’”
After humbling themselves and praying, God’s people need to “live a life that is praiseworthy of God,” Berry said. “Then they will be filled with the power of God.”
For more coverage of M-Counter, see the May 1 Word&Way print edition.
