Good vibes are powerless

"So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was fervently praying to God for him." Acts 12:5 BSB

On August 19, Runner's World Magazine published an article titled, "Can We Spread Good Vibes on Our Trails?" The writer went on to describe how COVID caused outdoor activities to spike which in turn caused the once-quiet trail systems to be overwhelmed with new and experienced users who descended on the trailheads by the droves. As one example of increased trail use, 8.1 million more Americans hiked in 2020 versus 2019, according to a report commissioned by the Outdoor Industry Association. Habitual trail users also ventured into the woods with greater frequency. While a more active population is fantastic, conflict became inevitable. In February of this year, advocacy groups and industry leaders recognized this and began collaborating; thus, Trails are Common Ground came to life. It’s a national campaign that recognizes how increasingly crowded trails, rising user conflicts, and compounding pressures on the environment threaten land access and negatively impact off-road pursuits. The mission of Trails are Common Ground (they say) is to create a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment every time anyone steps, rides, or rolls onto the trail; a mission they feel will be successful by spreading good vibes. 

And you know, when it comes to spreading those good vibes, I have seen a very dangerous trend emerging. Many people, even those who claim to be followers of Christ, truly believe that sending good vibes or positive energy has the power to heal or change a situation. I see evidence of those beliefs all the time on social media with posts like,"sending you good vibes for healing" or "sending good vibes that your situation will turn out for the best." The problem with that is this... only prayer to God can heal a person or change a situation. Consider Peter. When he was locked up in prison for preaching the Gospel, "the church was fervently praying to God for him." And do you know what happened? An angel appeared in Peter's cell, struck him on the side and said, "Quick get up!" The chains then fell off Peter's wrists and he followed the angel right past the guards and out the front gates of the prison (gates that opened by themselves, by the way). Do you you think good vibes or positive energy could have made that happen? Of course not!

So don't spread good vibes to anyone or expect them to change your life for the better my friend. Sending positive energy simply doesn't work. Only prayer has the power to make chains fall off and prison doors open. So pray fervently for those in need and over situations that need changed instead. And then trust the God who rescued Peter and who is still doing miracles today to move. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the fervent prayer of the church has moved many mountains throughout history. Lord, let us be bold in praying for others so that they might come to know just how powerful You are. May we boldly proclaim to someone in need, "I will pray to my God for you," and then let us do it, knowing that prayer is our most powerful weapon. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!