I want to highlight a social media success story. I am speaking of Twitter and Facebook specifically. Why? Because it is popular, particularly in Christian circles, to bag on social media. There are cries that it is narcissistic, time consuming, and worldly. I would argue that those descriptions probably describe the individual that is using them rather than the medium themselves. But this may be another post/topic.
Here is the scenario: last week my wife was hospitalized after suffering multiple strokes. After she was admitted to ICU, I sent out a tweet asking for people to join us in praying. I also put a message out on Facebook requesting the same. Within a few hours I had messages from people all around the world. I believe I heard from every single continent, with the exception of Antarctica. Hundreds and hundreds of people were praying, reaching out, and encouraging us with Scripture. For those of us who believe that God hears prayer through the work of Christ, this is a great encouragement to us!!
I was reminded of the grace of God in that people believed this gospel and were burdened to put it to work through prayer; to utilyze its benefits if you will. They were bounce-passing reminders of God’s sovereignty and goodness to us. It was so good.
In my mind this is a great example of how social media sites like Facebook and Twitter can really aid the ministry of the church (local and universal). The medium is flexible. Like so many other things it can bend and accomodate narcissism or gospel-centeredness. It is the individual that decides how it is going to be used.
By God’s grace my wife is doing much better. We are rejoicing. I plan to write some more things in the future about what I learned while attending this class in the school of suffering. We ask for continued prayer as you join us in thanking God for his many demonstrations of grace to us. We are truly treated far better than we deserve.