Maybe this has happened to you before… you were in a shopping mall or some public place and you saw someone being mistreated or being taken advantage of, and suddenly a deep anger grew inside of you, to the point that you wanted to do something about it. Perhaps you did not take action because it wasn’t your place to or it would have been dangerous to, but you defiantly felt the desire to. In some cases, even after getting home or going to sleep, you woke up still thinking about it.

You could say that what happened provoked you. It stirred something up inside of you. And it made you want to react.

That feeling of indignation and frustration was not just an emotion, it was a righteous anger at what was happening. And that anger is good. It’s not good if you lash out on other people, or do things to hurt others. But the desire for what is right to happen and to see things get better is a must. Look at what Paul felt in the city of Athens after seeing so many idol gods.

Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols.

(Acts 17:16)

It says that his spirit was provoked. He was upset by what he saw. And he could not shake the desire to make things right. God’s people are always like that. They always want justice and faithfulness to shine though. And they are willing to challenge their problems or obstacles (even if they are outnumbered or overpowered) in order to see God’s plan become reality in their life and the life of those around them.

God is constantly looking for people that have this exact provocation inside of them. People who have the spirit of a warrior and refuse to just sit on the sideline and watch what is wrong prevail, but instead choose to stand up through faith and overcome the odds and obstacles.


Are you one of these?

May the God of the Bible bless you

Bishop Joshua Fonseca